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
- National Traveller Health Action Plan and Report on the Traveller and Roma Mental Health Working Group: Discussion
- Dental Services in the Healthcare System: Discussion
- Cabinet Committees
- Report of the Joint Committee on Health: Motion
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Latest News
Legislation to disregard historic convictions for same sex activity welcome but overdue
Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has welcomed the Minister for Justice’s confirmation that he will bring forward legislation to disregard convictions for consensual same sex activity, before it was decriminalised in 1993. Deputy Rice said: “Last July, on behalf of the Social Democrats, I co-signed a joint opposition Bill to disregard these historic convictions. That […]
Read moreMedical Council report into CHI underpins need to accelerate opening of National Children’s Hospital
Multiple HR and ICT deficiencies identified during a Medical Council inspection of CHI sites underpin the need for the new National Children’s Hospital to open without further delay, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Today’s report highlights a number of concerning issues at CHI hospitals, where creaking ICT systems were […]
Read moreCrisis in public dentistry continues to deepen under this government
The crisis in public dentistry has continued to deepen under this government, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice made his comments after representatives from the Irish Dental Association (IDA), Department of Health and the HSE appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee today. He said: “In 2019, the National Oral Health Policy, […]
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