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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Latest News
Health budget is short on detail, ambition and reform
The priorities for our health service in Budget 2026 are completely askew, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is Chair of the Oireacthas Health Committee, said: “In the Health Minister’s quest for productivity and value for money, she has lost sight of reform. “She seems to forget that without reform […]
Read moreMinister playing risky game of chicken with EU over climate action fines threat
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has accused Minister Darragh O’Brien of playing a reckless game of chicken with the EU by downplaying the risk of billions in fines if Ireland fails to hit its climate action targets. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s climate spokesperson, said: “Earlier this year, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) […]
Read moreChair of the Oireachtas Health Committee to launch pre legislative report on Assisted Human Reproduction
Supplementary legislation must ensure no family is left behind when it comes to assisted human reproduction, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who today will launch a report on the matter as Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, said: “The journey towards robust legislation to regulate and support donor assisted human […]
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