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Meet Aidan

I’m Aidan Farrelly, the Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.

I am married to Aisling and have three children: Ella (16), Tadhg (13) and Cillian (9). I have been a professional youth worker and community development worker in Kildare for 16 years.

Working with young people and in communities inspired me to successfully contest the 2019 local elections for the Social Democrats. I believe Kildare deserves its fair share of investment in services for a population of close to 250,000. We need enhanced provision of housing, healthcare, disability services, childcare and school services.

I believe now, more than ever, we need to see Social Democrats policies being government policies. Catherine Murphy has been a mentor and friend throughout my political career, and it is an honour to continue Catherine’s great work.

Kildare schools have the highest average class sizes in Ireland. Kildare has some of the fewest GPs per head of population. As our communities grow, our social infrastructure must grow with them.

Aidan’s Priorities

  • Childcare – Capping childcare fees at €250 per month and rolling out a public model of childcare.
  • Housing – More affordable homes to rent and buy and driving down the cost of housing.
  • Child Poverty – Ending child poverty and child and youth homelessness.
  • Health – Full implementation of the Sláintecare plan for a universal healthcare system, free at the point of use.
  • Public Services – Prioritising investment in quality public services and community facilities.

Latest News

Report card shows Government finding new ways to fail children

Today’s dismal report card from the Children’s Right’s Alliance is an indictment of this government and reflects its failures during its first year, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Last year, the government scored one ‘A’ grade and four ‘B’ grades, while this year it achieved no ‘A’ grades and […]

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Minister must pause half-baked child care legislation

Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly has written to Minister for Children Norma Foley asking to immediately defer the Committee stage consideration of the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025, as the government’s own amendments will not be ready in time to be debated. Deputy Farrelly said: “TD’s are elected, first and foremost, to legislate. How […]

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TUSLA’s reliance on Special Emergency Arrangements puts children at risk

The use of Special Emergency Arrangements (SEAs) as settings for vulnerable children to be housed must be brought to an end, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “The number of children in Special Emergency Arrangements has almost doubled in the past two years “Despite criticism from several judges and advocacy […]

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