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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

Social Democrats hold public meeting to address Galway’s healthcare crisis

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 […]

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Government must consider taking legal action against BAM after 18th deadline for National Children’s Hospital missed

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 […]

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Planned commencement of key section of Assisted Human Reproduction Act is welcome

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 […]

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