William Aird
Laois · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Middle-income working families continue to shoulder the greatest burden of rising living costs. Many are earning too much to qualify for targeted supports and they are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the costs of childcare and housing, and also to meet everyday expenses.”
“The message from families is very clear that people living with dementia want to remain connected to their communities and families want to know what else is available when they need it. Government must continue to invest in dementia services through the whole-of-government approach.”
“Vincent's Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick, which provides care for older people, including people with dementia and complex care needs. I also recognise the contribution of St.”
“I would like to take the opportunity to speak on this issue which affects thousands of families across this country, many in my own constituency. Dementia is not just a health issue. It is a family issue, a community issue, and a societal issue.”
“We must also strengthen palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia by ensuring specialist services work closely with community teams, residential settings, and family carers. Families also need support during this difficult time. Improving early diagnosis and access to dementia-specific supports is essential.”
“It is a vital support in continuing to provide care at home while also protecting their own health and well-being. Families are waiting too long for respite placements and carers are reaching crisis point before support becomes available.”
The complete record
Every one of 237 lines we hold for William Aird, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 5.
“Graduate medical students are under huge pressure from fees, accommodation, travel expenses and the cost of living. They receive no SUSI grant, no Government supports and no access to loans. Their options are to drop out, to work 12-hour weekend shifts or to rely on parents for financial support. This is unfair, especially to students from rural communities where we urgently need to see more doctors. We must ease the financial pressure on graduate medical students. This can be done by extending the SUSI grant to graduate medicine students or by creating a fair loan scheme for them. We must support our future doctors.”
“Before we go on, I would describe it as a drastic move to curb a farmer from selling his or her stock in a mart for up to three years. Does the Minister realise what he is doing to farmers, people like myself who get up every morning and work? There is no guarantee about this. We are talking about something that got worse and worse despite the money that was invested in the scheme. There is no guarantee that taking a draconian step like this would have any effects. This would be a stigma attached to farmers like myself where, at the end of the day, there is no guarantee that anything would change. I want to know who came up with this idea. What scientific results has that person to prove that something like this will happen? It is like we are saying we will try this and it might work.”
“I wish the Minister well in his CAP negotiations. The expectations of Irish farm families rest on his shoulders. They are trusting him to deliver. He cannot come home without a CAP budget that is ring-fenced for Irish farmers.”
“There is significant concern about the Commission's intention to release its vision for the post-2027 CAP at the same time as the EU budget plan. We cannot have this railroaded through. This approach, without consultation, is entirely unacceptable. Major decisions about the future of European agriculture must not be made behind closed doors in Brussels. Farmers must be heard. I urge the Minister to take a clear stance and, first, oppose any attempt to merge or dilute the CAP budget; second, ensure the CAP remains focused on its core goals of farm income for farmers, food security for Europeans and strong, sustainable communities, which is fierce important; and, finally, ensuring proposals under the CAP simplification package must deliver real, practical improvements at farm level and not more red tape.”
“Recent reports that the European Commission is considering dismantling the ring-fenced CAP budget are very worrying. This move would be a dangerous mistake for Irish agriculture, rural communities and food security across Europe. Agriculture cannot be sacrificed to meet other EU priorities such as defence or security. We cannot take food security for granted. I and farmers like me work tirelessly to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food. Farmers must not be left carrying the financial burden of broader policy shifts. I know the Minister is aware that what we are facing is potentially the most serious threat to CAP in a generation. The CAP budget must remain strong, separate and, most importantly, increased. Rising costs and inflation have already reduced its value.”
“We have to play our part in the fight against climate change. I have one question to put to the Minister. Will he oppose the single fund proposal relating to the MFF and protect Pillar 1 and Pillar 2? That is the question every farmer asks me passionately everywhere I go, every day.”
“There must be an increase in the dedicated CAP budget. The CAP continues to be central to Ireland's role in the context of agriculture. Issues such as food security and competitiveness will be major features of the discussions relating to the next CAP. To protect the CAP, it is vital that we position agricultural and food as major strategic priorities for the European Union. Our strategic CAP plan must be balanced and practical. It must address the challenge of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Our CAP strategic plan requires partnership between the Government, farmers, communities, etc. It is through our strategy that we can ensure that Irish farmers continue to produce world-class food and that rural communities-----”
“Our key priority for the next CAP must be for a more straightforward model for farmers, allowing member states more freedom to target measures to deal with their circumstances and continue with measures that are working well. Time and again, farmers have said to me, as their public representative, that the conditions laid down by Brussels are totally contrary to what they have been used to doing all their lives and to best practice. People who farm the land and work to produce food know their land better than anybody. They regret that they are being told how to farm by people in other countries. The next CAP must be more flexible and must respond to new and emerging approaches. It must involve an appropriate balance between all the elements of sustainability and economic, environmental and social aspects.”
“The future of farm supports for Europe will be shaped by two major policy proposals to be published later this year, namely the EU budget, known as the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, and the proposals for a new CAP post 2027. Regarding funding over recent decades, we have seen the undermining of the CAP as a result of budget cuts, no allowance whatsoever for inflation, which does not happen in any other sector, and forcing farmers to do more for less. It now appears that the European Commission may be pushing ahead with a single fund approach to the MFF rather than having a designated CAP budget. If a single fund budget structure is approved, this would have a negative impact on schemes at farm level, on the rural economy and on generational renewal. Our Government must push back against the single budget approach to the CAP.”
“Experience over the Past few years, from the Covid pandemic to the war in Ukraine to the current trade tensions with the US, has underlined the vital importance of the agrifood sector to Ireland and Europe. We cannot take our food or the people who produce it for granted. The next CAP post 2027 will be extremely important for the agrifood sector in Ireland. The CAP is crucial for the sector's resilience and competitiveness. Across the country, the agrifood sector remains our most important indigenous industry, employing more than 169,000 people and supporting €19 billion worth of exports. Some people in our country find it hard to understand that there are such high figures. Ireland's CAP strategic plan has a current budget of €9.8 billion, including €2.28 billion of national funding over five years.”
“It has underpinned farm incomes, supported rural development and ensured the continued production of safe, high-quality food. The CAP is more than just a funding mechanism; it reflects Europe's strategic priorities, from food security to environmental sustainability and rural development. Up to 2027, the CAP will undergo significant reform, with a strong emphasis on delivering on climate and environmental ambition, supporting generational renewal and fostering the economic viability of family farms. Ireland's CAP allocation for this period amounts to approximately €10 billion, a combination of EU funds and national Exchequer co-funding. The future of farming supports and the new CAP are essential to the survival and success of all of us who are involved in the agrifood sector.”
“First of all, I am delighted that the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Ardagh, is here today because she represents Dublin South Central. As she knows, farm produce is delivered every morning. I am delighted that she is here for this important debate. I welcome the leader of the IFA, a fellow Laoisman, Francie Gorman. I am delighted he is in the Public Gallery to listen to the debate. I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the CAP and Ireland's CAP strategic plan. The CAP is a matter of vital national interest, not just for our farmers but for the future of rural Ireland, our food security and our environmental responsibilities. The CAP has been a basis for European agricultural policy since its foundation in 1962. For Ireland, the CAP has been transformative.”
“The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland estimates that claims involving uninsured drivers add approximately €35 to the cost of every motor insurance policy. In 2022, there were an estimated 187,000 uninsured vehicles on Irish roads, which is four times the EU average. I know the introduction of the Irish motor insurance database has helped reduce this number to around 100,000. The level of uninsured driving remains of serious concern in terms of road safety and insurance costs for law-abiding motorists. Given the significant impact on premiums, will the Taoiseach outline what further strategies the Government is pursuing to tackle uninsured driving, ensure enforcement is effective and, ultimately, bring Ireland's rate of uninsured vehicles in line with European norms, thereby easing the financial burden on responsible drivers?”
“An issue of growing concern in recent months is the sharp rise in the number and sophistication of scams targeting people across Ireland, from phishing texts to fake texts and online fraud. These scams are causing real distress and financial loss to many, particularly the vulnerable and our older citizens who are often primary targets. We have heard reports of people losing their life savings to increasingly convincing scams. Despite warnings from banks and gardaí, swindlers continue to find new ways to deceive the public. Can the Taoiseach outline what steps the Government is taking to better inform and protect people from these scams? Is there a co-ordinated plan to increase public awareness, strengthen consumer protections or enhance support from those who have already fallen victim to fraud?”
“The tillage sector holds immense potential for the future of Irish agriculture. Targeted policies, including direct financial aid, incentives for land use in tillage and investment in research are crucial to sustaining and growing this vital industry. By acting now, we can secure the future of tillage farming, strengthen rural communities and contribute to Ireland's long-term food and environmental resilience.”
“There must be economic stability for farmers in this sector. The cost of the inputs such as fertiliser, fuel and seed has skyrocketed, putting immense pressure on the tillage farmer. Financial support, including grants and price stabilisation mechanisms, is essential to prevent further farm closures and safeguard rural employment. Diversification and innovation are important. Government investment in research and innovation can help farmers to adopt new technologies, improve yields, explore alternative markets such as protein crops and regenerate farming practices. Alignment with EU policy is important. The EU's push for greater sustainability through CAP reform presents both challenges and opportunities. Ireland must ensure tillage farmers receive adequate support to transition to more sustainable practices while remaining competitive.”
“With global supply chains increasingly uncertain, a strong domestic tillage sector ensures Ireland's ability to produce high-quality grains and reduce reliance on imports. Supporting local grain production is critical to maintaining a stable food supply. The sector has a role in regard to climate and sustainability. Unlike other agricultural sectors, tillage farming has a low carbon footprint. Encouraging tillage expansion can contribute to Ireland's climate targets under the climate action plan by promoting sustainable crop rotation.”
“I emphasise the urgent need for continued and enhanced Government support for Ireland's tillage sector. It is vital to our agricultural landscape and is currently at a critical juncture, as the Minister knows well. Without strategic investment and targeted policies, its survival and development are at huge risk. The tillage sector is the backbone of sustainable farming in Ireland. It provides essential grain for food production, animal feed and the growing demand for renewable energy sources such as biofuels. However, Irish tillage farmers are facing mounting challenges, including rising input costs, market volatility and the impact of climate change. Tillage is important for food security.”
“What measures is the Department implementing to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the tillage sector in Ireland, considering recent financial challenges and the sector's environmental significance?”
“This was an opportunity and was very well received by people, where there could be savings of €5,000 up to €25,000, depending on the county. It was really worthwhile for these people. The Taoiseach knows how difficult it is to save up to €10,000 or €20,000 before a block is even laid for a house. That is something the previous Government did, and I am asking the Taoiseach to please consider doing it again.”
“The previous Government introduced a waiver scheme for people who were building first-time homes. It included council charges plus Uisce Éireann charges. On 31 December 2024, this was stopped. When this was introduced, it set out all the principles and achieved the objective of speedier activation of planning permissions by the development sector. It also escalated planning permissions that had been granted for a number of years and were not activated, and caused a higher rate of housing commencements. The Taoiseach will remember when he started out in his first house with his wife, Mary, how difficult it was to save up. This waiver is something the previous Government brought in for people who do not get any other contribution, such as the social housing waiting list.”
“Will the Tánaiste outline the strategy that the Government trade forum will use in addressing the concerns of the agri-sector? What steps will it take to protect Ireland? I urge the Tánaiste to use the Government trade forum as a mechanism to ensure that not only Ireland's farmers and agri-businesses, but all small businesses in Ireland have the support they need.”
“Take, for example, dairy farmers, who produce some of the finest milk and cheese in this world. As export markets shift due to changing trade agreements and external tariffs, these farmers need clarity on the Government's efforts to secure stable routes for their high-quality produce. Also, beef farmers who have long relied on the international markets are facing new challenges in light of global price fluctuations and competition from non-EU producers. The Government trade forum must play a role in ensuring that fair trade agreements protect Irish farmers from unfair disadvantages while opening new opportunities abroad. We cannot forget our tillage sector. It depends on affordable access to fertiliser and machinery. Rising costs due to trade barriers could impact both productivity and profitability in this area.”
“I ask the Tánaiste to outline the progress of the Government trade forum. In a time of economic uncertainty, I believe the role of this forum is crucial in ensuring that Ireland remains competitive on the global stage. For sectors like agriculture, one of the cornerstones of our economy, trade policy can mean the difference between growth and decline.”
“All the work in County Laois is near completion and the next round is awaited anxiously. At least seven or eight groups would be disappointed if they thought they would not be included, and that is why I am asking for such an important fund to be extended into 2025. I support everything said about the local improvement schemes. They are most important to rural counties, and my county is a rural one, as the Minister knows. The Minister and Minister of State should both remember that the people who can benefit from local improvement schemes are those who are paying their household charges. They are entitled, at least, to have the roads done.”
“Extending the fund to 2025 would ensure even more communities can benefit from financial support, leading to a stronger and more inclusive society. I thank the Minister for considering this vital extension to the fund, which has already proven it can enhance the well-being of communities across Ireland.”
“That is good news. I take it that the Minister is going to have the fund available in 2025. The aim is to complete and maintain community development initiatives and plan for future needs. The enhanced social cohesion measure was great for the community. The promotion of the health and well-being element was too. Numerous people and clubs have benefited from walking tracks. There has been a major benefit to the community. The empowerment of the local organisations that got involved was great for everybody. In my native County Laois, the community recognition fund had a positive impact through several key projects in Portlaoise, Ballylinan and Rathdowney. The Minister will know of all the people who benefited in his county, Mayo. The successful projects in Laois are key examples of the benefits of the community recognition fund.”
“I am asking for an extension of the community recognition fund in 2025. The community recognition fund was a major initiative designed to facilitate and support communities across the country that are hosting people from Ukraine and other countries around the world. The community recognition fund has been key to enhancing the social fabric of our communities, fostering inclusion and improving the quality of life for residents across Ireland. The initiatives supported by the community recognition fund have improved infrastructure, strengthened community networks, encouraged active lifestyles and supported local organisations.”
“A Cheann Comhairle, because of what happened in the Dáil yesterday I was deprived of raising a question. Once only have I been allowed to speak in this Chamber, having been elected to represent Laois. I have never seen anything like it. I ask the Ceann Comhairle to make it good for those of us who were to ask questions yesterday. I think it is totally unfair and she has to change it.”
“All my life, I have been in discussions with the Department of agriculture to the effect that no matter what in an application has to be referred back to the person, a minimum of 85% of the money owed to the farmers should be paid out, with 15% held back.”
“I urge the Minister and all relevant authorities to take immediate action to engage with farmers, include them in decision-making, and ensure that no policy is imposed without farmer input. Anything less would be an insult to the hard-working food producers - I am one of them myself - who feed this nation and many more. While I have the Minister, I wish to talk to him about the ACRES payments. In County Laois, the number of people being paid under the scheme is 427 but the active participants on day one for ACRES were 599. That means that 172 people, or 29% of the applicants in County Laois, have not yet been paid.”
“I am delighted the Minister said everything will be voluntary from the farmers' point of view but he must accept where I am coming from as well. At that meeting where there were no farmers involved, it was announced that 80,000 ha of land were going to be rewetted. Whether we like it or not, a lot of soils throughout this country are peat-nature soils, so it will affect probably every county in the Twenty-six Counties of Ireland. Farmers need support, not mandates. They need incentives, not penalties. Above all, farmers need to be respected as equal partners in shaping agriculture and environmental policy. If our Government fails to address these concerns, it risks isolating the entire agricultural sector, a sector which is vital to our economy and rural communities and to our national identity.”
“Farmers feel abandoned and disrespected by those in power. The Government is committed to the principles of engagement and co-operation and we must start by listening to farmers. I call for immediate transparency regarding these proposals. The Department must engage with farming representatives to hear their concerns and ensure that any future decisions regarding peat soils are made in full consultation with those who actually work the land. We cannot allow a situation where farmers are simply dictated to by bureaucrats and policymakers who will never experience the economic and emotional burden of changes that decide their future.”
“How can we claim to support engagement and co-operation when the very people affected by these decisions were excluded from the discussion? Let us be clear; the top-down approach that is taken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is completely out of touch with the principles of fairness and transparency. If we are serious about tackling climate change and enhancing sustainability in agriculture, we should be serious then. We must also be serious about working with farmers and not against them. Imposing decisions without consultation will only lead to resistance and resentment, which serves no one's interests. Farmers are the custodians of the land and understand better than anyone how to manage and care for it, yet farmers are repeatedly facing increasing regulations, restrictions and bureaucracy.”
“I will work every day to ensure my county's voice is heard loud and clear. A strong message from rural Ireland means strong long local services, schools and Garda stations. Agriculture is the backbone of rural Ireland and farmers need fair prices, practical supports and policies that work with them, not against them. On the proposals for peat soils, it is unacceptable that an important issue, one that will directly impact the livelihood of thousands of farmers, has been discussed behind closed doors without any farmer representation at the table. Farmers' representatives have rightly pointed out that these proposals, which include the rewetting of 80,000 ha of peat land, were discussed at a meeting of so-called invited stakeholders; a meeting from which farmers were absent. How can the Government justify this?”
“We need real investment and infrastructure; better roads, reliable public transport and broadband to support businesses and communities. Housing remains a huge challenge. Too many young people in Laois are struggling to buy or rent a home. We must cut the red tape, build more houses and ensure that rural families can build in their own communities. Supporting working families is essential. The cost of living is putting people under pressure and we must ease that burden, whether through lower childcare costs, better healthcare access or tax relief for those who work hard. Safer communities must be a priority. Crime and anti-social behaviour are on the rise and we need more gardaí and stronger protections for our towns and villages. I came here to deliver for Laois and for our country and to fight for investment, fairness and opportunity.”
“It is a great honour for me to be here today and speak for the first time in this Chamber. As a representative for the people of Laois, I thank my constituents for their trust and my family, friends and supporters for their unwavering encouragement. I waited a long time to get here. I was first elected in 1979, the then youngest person ever elected to public life at 19 years of age. As an admirer of Nelson Mandela who said "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up", I am the dreamer. I never gave up and I am a winner speaking here this morning representing the people of Laois. I wish to ensure that County Laois gets its fair share of investment and opportunity. Our county is at the heart of Ireland, yet too often it has been overlooked.”