Pádraig Rice
Spokesperson for Health
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.
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Recent Dáil Contributions
- Report of the Joint Committee on Health: Motion
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
- Maternity Services in Portiuncula University Hospital: Health Service Executive
- Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025: Second Stage
- Gnó an Chomhchoiste - Business of Joint Committee
Latest News
Long COVID payment scheme must be extended before expiry at end of year
The government must extend the payment scheme for healthcare workers suffering from long Covid before it lapses on New Years Eve, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who chairs the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “The special leave with pay scheme for healthcare workers with long COVID is going to end in […]
Read moreUHL announcement raises more questions than answers
Appropriate healthcare services in the Mid-West cannot continue to be treated as an afterthought by government, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Option C – the development of a Model 3 hospital with an emergency department in the Mid-West region – cannot be put on the long finger. “Another ED […]
Read moreNational Gender Service waiting list closure leaves the trans community with even fewer care options
The announcement that the National Gender Service’s waiting list is to close will leave the trans community with even fewer avenues for care, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice TD. Deputy Rice said: “The trans community continues to be utterly failed by the State – the National Gender Service is not fit for […]
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