News

The Government must stop dithering and make a decision to extend the Basic Income for the Arts scheme before the current pilot runs out, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s Arts spokesperson, said: “When I queried the Arts Minister on his plans for a successor scheme to the pilot […]

The scandal surrounding the National Gallery’s €120,000-plus scanner is shocking but not surprising, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s arts spokesperson, said: “It’s sadly no longer a surprise to hear another huge sum of money has been wasted by a State organisation – this time, €120,000 on a […]

Ireland should follow the Welsh government’s lead by moving to ban greyhound racing, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on sport, said: “Ireland is one of only seven countries in the world where commercial greyhound racing is still legal. “Inexplicably, this so-called sport continues to receive millions […]

Full scrutiny of the millions wasted by the Arts Council on a failed IT project must be a priority for the incoming Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s arts spokesperson, said: “It has emerged today that €7 million was spent by the Arts Council […]

It is utterly shameful that people feel the need to sleep in their cars overnight to have any chance of buying a new home, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly. Deputy Farrelly, who represents Kildare North, said: “More than a dozen first-time buyers slept in their cars last night in the hope of securing […]

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dancing to Michael Lowry’s tune, according to Social Democrats acting leader Cian O’Callaghan. “Michael Lowry is attempting to rewrite history. Having previously bragged about his role in Government, he is now claiming he is in Opposition. “Instead of objecting to this farce, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are dancing […]

The Social Democrats today published their manifesto for young people, which commits to increased investment in areas such as youth work, education, mental health, sport and recreation, and transport. The policy was launched by Cllr Aidan Farrelly, the party’s candidate in Kildare North, and justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy. The strategy outlines how, in government, the […]

Cllr Aidan Farrelly has been selected by the Social Democrats to represent the party in Kildare North in the forthcoming General Election. This follows the decision by party co-founder and former co-leader Catherine Murphy to stand down as a TD after more than 30 years in public life. Speaking after the selection convention, Cllr Farrelly […]

Government housing policy prioritises the interests of private developers and private profit The Department of Housing has confirmed it is undertaking a review of its long-term leasing policy and targets, according to Social Democrats Councillor Aidan Farrelly. In January, on foot of a motion from Cllr Farrelly, Kildare County Council wrote to Housing Minister Darragh […]

Social Democrats Councillor, and professional youth worker Aidan Farrelly has called for greater assurances from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone, who this week refused to rule out funding cuts to the services offered to children and young people.  “It seems that youth services throughout Ireland are facing as turbulent a post-COVID […]