Aidan Farrelly
Spokesperson for Youth; Children and Equality
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.
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Recent Dáil Contributions
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
- Special Report No. 118 of the Comptroller and Auditor General: Governance, internal control and value for money issues in Inland Fisheries Ireland
- Chapter 6 - The OPW's Management of Office Accommodation
- Hospital Waiting Lists
- Agriculture Schemes
Latest News
HIQA report supports claim that Tusla is not fit for purpose
Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority lays bare Tusla’s inability to deliver on its mission to protect vulnerable children and young people, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “When children are telling inspectors that their life has gotten worse since coming into care, you have to question […]
Read moreGovernment must take action to prevent child grooming on online games and platforms
Online games and platforms marketed towards children which do not uphold child protection standards must be blocked until they can demonstrate compliance, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “A senior garda from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has warned that children are being groomed and exploited on online gaming […]
Read moreAfterschool activities out of reach for low-income families
More and more families are unable to afford afterschool activities for their children due to skyrocketing costs, according to Social Democrats children spokesperson Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly said: “Low-income families are overburdened by being shut out of unaffordable afterschool pursuits for their children, which for many serve as essential childcare – these families are often […]
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