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
- Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
- Scoliosis and Inquiries: Statements
- Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages
- Traveller Health: Discussion (Resumed)
- Expanding Access to General Practitioner Care: Motion [Private Members]
Latest News
Contractual commitments given to newly qualified paramedics must be honoured
Previous contractual commitments given to newly qualified paramedics must be honoured, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, the party’s health spokesperson, made his comments after raising the issue in the Dáil today. He said: “For the first time, newly qualified paramedics will not be offered permanent contracts. Instead, this cohort of graduates […]
Read moreGovernment must share the blame for Rotunda Hospital planning debacle
While it is welcome that a fresh planning application is to be submitted for a new critical care wing at the Rotunda Hospital, this and previous governments cannot evade blame for delays to the project, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “After years of obfuscation, […]
Read moreGovernment allows Soc Dems’ motion on GP care to pass – but where is their plan?
The government cannot continue to sit on the fence when it comes to reforming and expanding GP care in Ireland, according to Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice made his comments after today’s Dáil debate on a Social Democrats’ motion aimed at solving the GP crisis. He said: “While the government did not […]
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