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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 […]

Social Democrats by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich has accused the government of failing the people of Galway after Galway University Hospitals were found to have the highest hospital waiting lists in the country. Míde said: “Figures provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) show a staggering 7,978 people on waiting lists for Galway University […]

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 […]

Extortionate GP fees for menopause specific appointments are acting as a barrier to women seeking access to the government’s free HRT scheme, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore said: “In Ireland, 51 per cent of the population will go through menopause during their lives. While some women can get by without treatment, […]

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 […]