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Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice has welcomed that Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) have finally been added to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening, commonly known as the heel prick test. Deputy Rice, who chairs the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “This is an incredibly important milestone for families impacted by SCID […]

An elective-only hospital in Galway could potentially deliver 175,000 additional procedures and consultations a year, a public meeting organised by the Social Democrats in Knocknacarra heard this week. The meeting on Galway’s healthcare crisis, held in Knocknacarra Community Centre, was hosted by Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich, the Social Democrats’ Galway West by-election candidate. Guest speakers on […]

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has today renewed his call on the Minister for Health to consider taking legal action against BAM to push the troubled National Children’s Hospital project over the line. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “At today’s Health Committee, it was confirmed that the 18th substantial completion deadline […]

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has welcomed the Minister for Health’s confirmation that she will commence Section 232 of the Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act on April 20. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “In response to my parliamentary question, the Minister for Health has confirmed that she will commence Section 232 […]

Daffodil Day is an opportune time put a spotlight on Ireland’s cancer care services, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice made his comments as the Irish Cancer Society’s biggest annual fundraiser got under way across the country today. He said: “Huge progress has been made in cancer treatment in recent decades, […]

Previous contractual commitments given to newly qualified paramedics must be honoured, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, the party’s health spokesperson, made his comments after raising the issue in the Dáil today. He said: “For the first time, newly qualified paramedics will not be offered permanent contracts. Instead, this cohort of graduates […]

While it is welcome that a fresh planning application is to be submitted for a new critical care wing at the Rotunda Hospital, this and previous governments cannot evade blame for delays to the project, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “After years of obfuscation, […]

The government cannot continue to sit on the fence when it comes to reforming and expanding GP care in Ireland, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice made his comments after today’s Dáil debate on a Social Democrats’ motion aimed at solving the GP crisis. He said: “While the government did not […]

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ motion on Wednesday (February 25) aimed at addressing the crisis in GP care in Ireland. The party’s 20-point plan sets out a number of key measures to improve access, remove costs and increase capacity when it comes to general practitioner care in Ireland. These include: Introducing free GP […]

It is an abdication of duty for the government to ignore glaring holes in dental care legislation which put the public in danger, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Today’s news that the Dental Council, the statutory regulatory body for dentistry in Ireland, was unable to act in 80% of […]