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Meet Pádraig

I’m Pádraig Rice, the Social Democrats TD for Cork South-Central.

I ran in the general election because I believe it’s time for change.

I live in Ballyphehane and work as a Policy and Research Manager and human rights campaigner. I have a Law degree and BSc from UCC and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Oxford. In June, I had the honour of being elected as a Councillor for Cork City South Central.

I believe that the Government could be doing so much more, particularly when it comes to affordable housing, healthcare, disability services, and climate action.

I am hardworking, committed, passionate, and I am delighted to represent you in Dáil Éireann.

I want to make Cork a better place for everyone.

Pádraig’s Priorities

  • Housing – Delivering affordable and social housing to end the housing crisis.
  • Health – Reforming the two-tier healthcare system to ensure that everyone has timely access to good quality healthcare that is free at the point of use.
  • Public Services – Increasing investment in public services, including childcare, education and public transport.
  • Public Spaces – Improving public spaces with more public toilets, parks, benches, water fountains and trees.
  • Transparency and Accountability – Ensuring we have better political decision-making with increased transparency and accountability.

Latest News

Minister for Health must accept recommendations to prevent overreliance on insourcing and outsourcing

Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice has welcomed the publication of the HSE’s review of insourcing and outsourcing in the health service. Deputy Rice, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “Ahead of this morning’s Health Committee sitting, the Minister for Health published the HSE’s review of insourcing and outsourcing, which identified serious […]

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Government must urgently act to disregard historic convictions for consensual sex between men

It is now time for the State to right the wrongs of the past The government must urgently act to disregard historic convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, prior to decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. “It is now 32 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland – […]

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Pride brings LGBTQ+ rights into focus as Ireland celebrates 10th anniversary of marriage equality

This year, Pride marks the momentous 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality Referendum, but also presents an opportunity to reflect on the status of LGBTQ+ rights, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice and Senator Patricia Stephenson. Deputy Rice said: “This weekend, tens of thousands of people will march through Dublin to mark Pride. While […]

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