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Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has welcomed the Minister for Health’s acceptance that a dispensing fee should be covered as part of the delayed free HRT scheme – but has criticised the government’s questionable handling of the issue. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “Despite the Minister setting a target today for […]

There’s no time to waste when it comes to upgrading public transport services in Cork, which are currently inadequate, according to Social Democrat’s TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who represents the Cork South-Central constituency, said: “Today’s announcement of the Cork Luas Public Consultation represents a step forward, but we still have miles to go. “Cork […]

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) must immediately act on the findings of damning report into the use of surgical implants and implantable medical devices at its hospitals, including Temple Street, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “Today’s report from the Health Information and Quality Authority […]

The government’s half-hearted approach to creating adequate school places in Cork for children with special needs is an insult to the families breaking their backs to ensure their kids receive an education, according to the Social Democrats. Deputy Pádraig Rice, who is a TD for Cork South-Central, said: “Shamefully, it is estimated there are around […]

Confirmation from the Minister for Health today that the second Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Bill will be delayed until the end of the year is deeply disappointing, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “In July of last year, the Dáil passed the first AHR […]

It’s unacceptable that the acute mental health unit on the grounds of Cork University Hospital is now only 61% compliant with national standards, down from 79% in 2020, according to Social Democrat’s TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who’s the party’s Health spokesperson, said: “Susie Keane, a constituent of mine, has raised the alarm over the […]

The government must urgently act to resolve industrial disputes involving tens of thousands of healthcare workers, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s health spokesperson, said: “Today, 6,500 psychiatric nurses began industrial action in a dispute over unsustainable staffing levels. “This is on top of the 80,000 healthcare workers […]

Viktor Orbán’s latest attempt to dehumanise members of the queer community in Hungary by banning Pride events is a blatant violation of their human rights, according to the Social Democrats. Pádraig Rice TD, the party’s Health spokesperson, said: “The decision to ban Pride in Hungary is a full-frontal attack on LGBTQ+ human rights and fundamental […]

Social Democrats health spokesperson Pádraig Rice TD has called on the Minister for Health to publish the long-awaited sexual health strategy for Ireland. Deputy Rice, who raised this issue in the Dáil today, said: “Ireland currently has no sexual health strategy. We have been without a comprehensive plan or vision for sexual health services since […]

The outsourcing of car park facilities at public hospitals is just another example of the creeping privatisation of our health service, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice. Deputy Rice, who is the party’s spokesperson on health, said: “We learned this weekend that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has cancelled a tender for […]