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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

Sectoral Plan for Health must deliver more than words

While the NDP Sectoral Plan for Health includes much-needed projects to improve our health service, crucial details are missing in terms of their delivery, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “Following the publication of an underwhelming NDP last July, this Sectoral Plan for Health is long overdue. Much of our […]

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Government must allocate funding to double capacity for life-changing Parkinson’s Disease surgery

The government must fund a clear and viable solution to reducing long waiting lists for patients in need of groundbreaking surgery for Parkinson’s Disease, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a life-changing intervention that can dramatically improve the quality of […]

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Michael Shine inquiry must proceed quickly and be victim-centred

A scoping inquiry into Michael Shine, the former surgeon convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse, is welcome but must lead to a full statutory inquiry, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice said: “I welcome the news that the cabinet is set to approve a scoping inquiry into Michael Shine […]

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