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, which became the first country in the world to make the products free last year.
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.
Access
Labour Senator Rebecca Moynihan says that they are a basic hygiene product: "This is essentially about making sure that anybody who needs access to period products has access to period products.
"People don't walk off with fistfuls of tampons and pads or anything like that - they take what they need when they need it."
“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
The Labour Party has introduced a bill to the Seanad that would make period products freely available in schools, education institutions and public service buildings.
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.