FASD Ireland are delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Taylor as the Director of Policy & Public Affairs. Mike's appointment comes following an 18-month period working in the Oireachtas as a Parliamentary Assistant. Mike is from Kilkee and studied Law with Political & Sociological Science at NUI Galway, where he served as President of the Law Society there. He is currently undertaking a Diploma in PR & Communications from UCD. 

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said; "I am delighted to join the fantastic team here at FASD Ireland. Having spent the last number of months on their Advisory Board, I am looking very much forward to the exciting challenge of working on our core aims with the team here. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is Ireland's most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. We have the third highest prevalence of FASD in the world, and the HSE estimate that up to 7.4% of the population are living with FASD in the Republic of Ireland - whether they are aware of it or not. 

"Despite all of these facts, there is no statutory diagnostic criteria and no diagnostic pathway, and most crucially no support provided by the State for people living with FASD. This significant gap in service provision is where we come in. FASD Ireland provides education, awareness and support, we also deliver advocacy on behalf of the FASD community in Ireland to key decision makers in areas of Government and public policy. 

In his new role, Mike will lead efforts to shape policy agendas, engage with policymakers, and advocate for evidence based whole-of-Government solutions to address the challenges faced by individuals living with FASD. He will also oversee public affairs strategies to raise awareness and promote education about FASD, and work with the FASD Ireland team to drive systemic policy change for people living with FASD.”

Speaking about Mike’s appointment, Tristan Casson-Rennie, CEO of FASD Ireland said; “I'm thrilled to welcome Mike Taylor to the FASD Ireland Team in Ennis. Mike brings his expertise and political insight to our organisation. With his dedication and skills, we look forward to advancing our work in advocating for and supporting people living with FASD."

As well as his role in FASD Ireland, Mike also sits as a Director on the Board of Clare Local Development Company and serves as a Peace Commissioner for County Clare. On a local level, he also sits on the Board of Raidío Corca Baiscinn and is a member of the Enabling Team of Loop Head Together. A former Local Election candidate, Mike has far-reaching connections in politics in Ireland going as far as Taoiseach, Simon Harris, who has recently been invited to meet the FASD Ireland team at their office at 51 O’Connell Street in Ennis.