William Aird TD

TD for Laois

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I questioned Veterinary Ireland on the recruitment & retention crisis facing veterinary nurses. We need practical solutions to ensure veterinary practices can attract and keep skilled staff, protecting animal health, supporting our farmers & safeguarding vital veterinary services

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Middle-income families are being squeezed. Many earn too much to qualify for supports but still struggle with childcare, housing and everyday bills. I raised this directly with the Tánaiste and called for Budget 2027 to help through changes to the standard rate tax band.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Today at the Oireachtas Rural and Community Development Committee, I questioned representatives from community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises as part of their pre-Budget submissions.
https://t.co/WQ5bcTCT5v

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

The future of Irish tillage has to include looking at new opportunities like hemp.
https://t.co/t9aioL3Yab

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

The Draft Sustainable Rural Housing National Planning Statement aims to ease planning restrictions for single homes in the countryside. I spoke to Midlands 103FM alongside IFA President @gormanifa and principal of Heywood Community School, Eamon Jackman
https://t.co/Le939mGBNO

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Today at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, I had the opportunity to question representatives from leading disability organisations as they outlined their priorities ahead of Budget 2027.
https://t.co/So6huIroFV

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Speaking on the Planning and De Bill, I stressed how we must seize this opportunity to revitalise our rural villages and townlands by giving local families a fair opportunity to live, build and raise the next generation in the communities they call home.
https://t.co/nLjcx0VO8i

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

This week at the Agriculture and Food Committee, I questioned industry and academic representatives on the potential of hemp production in Ireland and the opportunities it presents for farmers, rural communities and the wider economy.
https://t.co/xw0PIV6AVM

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

At the Joint Committee on Social Protection, I raised a concerning case where a person's Disability Allowance was cut by almost €33 a week after taking up a small amount of part-time work.
We should be supporting and encouraging people into employment, not reducing their income.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I raised a number of key issues during discussions on the Workability Programme. The organisations before the Committee highlighted how access to work delivers far more than a pay cheque. It brings independence, confidence, inclusion and opportunity.
https://t.co/cxMjuF9SL6

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I raised the future of the Leprino Foods facility in Portlaoise directly with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil and sought his personal intervention to help secure new investment for this excellent site.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I raised with the Taoiseach today the unacceptable situation where patients in Laois waiting for hip and knee replacements are being forced to look to Northern Ireland for treatment due to long waiting lists.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

At the Joint Committee on Rural and Community Development, I raised a number of important questions regarding the future of rural GAA clubs and the wider impact of demographics, housing policy and planning on community sport.
https://t.co/SpTRoARwBR

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I raised concerns about pressure facing farmers and uncertainty around the agriculture budget. There has been talk of money from the agriculture budget being redirected towards education, and I asked the Minister directly if this was happening and what it would mean for farmers.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on the importance of respite supports for families, protecting public beds in communities, and ensuring people can choose the most appropriate care setting for their needs.
https://t.co/QKzybZlglX

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

I questioned Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on the impact of greenways, railways and roadways on agriculture, as well as the ongoing issues surrounding Compulsory Purchase Orders for land.
https://t.co/uDy49RzlJN

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

At the Joint Oireachtas Committee, I raised the unfair situation where elderly parents can lose their Fuel Allowance if an adult son or daughter moves back home to support them. In the middle of a cost of living crisis, families helping one another should not be penalised.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Questioning Meat Industry Ireland on importation of Brazilian beef

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Today at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, I challenged Meat Industry Ireland on falling beef prices and the pressure being placed on family farmers. Irish farmers are producing world class beef while facing huge uncertainty, volatility and losses.

[William Aird TD @williamairdtd]

Today I raised the issue of Fuel Allowance eligibility with Micheál Martin. I was disappointed that the Taoiseach failed to address the unfair rules impacting pensioners with adult children living at home.