Period products could soon be available for free in schools, colleges and public buildings.
The Labour Party has introduced a bill to the Seanad based on the Scottish model.
The Scots became the first country in the world to make the products free last year.
Say hello to the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 👋
The Bill has received Royal Assent 👑
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. #perioddignity #freeperiodproducts 🩸
The Act has been published: https://t.co/bauLiu1vwd pic.twitter.com/QsnmJa7ZG5
— Monica Lennon (@MonicaLennon7) January 14, 2021
50% of Irish woman have struggled to afford period products.
While 6 out of 10 say they feel shame and embarrassment about their period, according to Plan International Ireland.
Very excited for Senator @RebeccaMoy submitting her first bill!
Period Products (Free Provision Bill) 2020 based off of @MonicaLennon7 bill to provide free products in public spaces
This is the first step to #PeriodJustice for all 🩸🌹 pic.twitter.com/n4q8douCi9
— The Labour Party (@labour) January 15, 2021
Labour Senator Rebecca Moynihan says that they are a basic hygiene product.
"For some reason we tend to treat period products as luxury products".
Senator Moynihan said the bill is "essentially about providing [sanitary products] in public spaces."
“The objective of this legislation is that all who menstruate should be able to access period products, at no cost, as and when they are required.”🩸
Such an important piece of legislation from @RebeccaMoy 🌹
Read about it here 👇🏼https://t.co/IuVx3FnQdn
— The Labour Party (@labour) January 19, 2021
Claire Hunt from Homeless Period Ireland has welcomed the move.
"With covid, people are more impacted with job losses and stuff like that."
"It's a very busy time for food banks and sometimes people will go to the hygiene table over the food first."
The bill would put the onus on the relevant institutions to consult with women on the variety of products required.
And there would also be an obligation on the Government to engage in an information campaign, to ensure people know where to obtain the products.
