Ó Riordáin calls on Govt to tackle period poverty in our schools.
Labour Party Education spokesperson, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on the Government to roll out a free sanitary product scheme in all schools.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Ó Ríordain said:
“My colleagues Councillors Deirdre Kingston and Councillor Rebecca Moynihan have secured funding to provide free sanitary products in their respective council areas.
“In September, Dublin City Councillor Rebecca Moynihan secured funding for Dublin City Council to roll out a pilot scheme to provide free sanitary products, last night at the Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown Council Budget meeting, Councillor Deirdre Kingston also secured funding for a pilot scheme roll out in two libraries in her council area.
“We know from surveys by Plan International Ireland that over 50% of girls aged 12-19 have been unable to afford sanitary products.
One way to solve period poverty among young girls is to provide free sanitary products in our schools.
“This isn’t a radical proposal, our neighbours in Scotland have rolled out a free sanitary product scheme at a cost just under €5 million. We can and should follow their lead.
“A debate on how we tackle period poverty should take place in the Seanad sooner rather than later.”