Political Background

Liam Aylward was Minister of State at the Department of Education from Febraury 1992-94 with special responsibility for Youth and Sport. He was Minister of State at the Department of Forestry from November 1988-July 1989. He was first elected to the Dáil for Carlow-Kilkenny in 1977 and elected every election since.

Member of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe 1987-88, 1989-92 and 1977-2002.

Served in various departments in opposition including Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Sport, Leisure and Tourism 1995-97.

He seved on Kilkenny County Council 1974-92 and 1999-2002 and various Sub-Committees including South-Eastern Health Board (HSE - chairman 1986-1987); General Council of County Councils; Chairman of Kilkenny V.E.C 1999-2002.

Member of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

He is a son of late Bob Aylward, Senator, Agricultural Panel.

Appointed Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food in June 2002 with responsibility for Animal Health and Customer Services.