News

The National Children’s Hospital debacle looks set to continue well into the term of the new government, with no certainty over how much it will eventually cost or when it will open to young patients, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “We learned today […]

The delivery of elective-only hospitals and proper workforce planning will be key to reducing waiting lists for patients, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, made his comments in response to the Government’s Waiting List Action Plan 2025. He said: “While I welcome publication of the plan […]

The Minister for Health must urgently address the chronic shortage of public health nurses to prevent the widespread cancellation of routine developmental checks for babies and small children, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “It is scandalous that parents across many parts of the […]

The new government must urgently act to halt the worrying use of nicotine pouches by secondary school students, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. “It has been reported today that an increasing number of schools have been sending notices to parents to highlight the ongoing use of these products in classrooms. This follows calls […]

It is completely unacceptable that the rollout of free hormone replacement therapy for women has been delayed by a farcical blame game between the Department of Health and pharmacists, according to Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney, who represents Dublin-Rathdown, said: “Women suffering from symptoms of menopause have found themselves caught in the crossfire […]

A delay to the promised rollout of free hormone replacement therapy has been described as an insult to women by Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney. Deputy Gibney, who represents Dublin-Rathdown, said: “To much fanfare, outgoing Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced free HRT for women suffering from symptoms of menopause – a €20 million budgetary […]

The outgoing government has serious questions to answer following the resignation of the interim chief executive of CHI, which could result in further delays to the opening of the National Children’s Hospital, according to Jennifer Whitmore of the Social Democrats. Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on children, said: “I am deeply concerned at reports […]

The Social Democrats have confirmed that implementation of Sláintecare within the next five years will be a red line issue for the party in any forthcoming programme for government negotiations. The party set out their position at the launch of their Health and Social Care policy today, which was attended by health spokesperson Róisín Shortall, […]

The Social Democrats today held an event in Cork to set out the party’s vision for healthcare. Cllr Pádraig Rice, who is running for the party in Cork South-Central, said: “We need a healthcare system that is based on need and not ability to pay. When you are sick you shouldn’t have to pay €60 […]

The lack of a recruitment drive to fill primary care psychology posts in Cork has been described as truly shocking by Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. “In response to a parliamentary question I submitted, it has been confirmed that Cork primary care services only advertised one psychology position this year – a replacement senior psychologist […]