Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
887. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the budgetary amount allocated to the provision of a range of free, adequate, safe and suitable period products in all educational publicly funded settings including colleges and higher education institutes for 2025; if the service will be continue to be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14778/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding of €500,000 was provided in May 2024 to support Higher Education and Further Education institutions in their efforts to ensure period dignity within their settings, by my Department.
This seed funding was provided to assist with efforts in provision of free sustainable period products and dispensers and the impact of that funding will continue to be monitored, including via engagement with the HEA (Higher Education Authority).
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) has also worked collaboratively with the Department of Health and other stakeholders on the development of a draw-down contract for the provision of period products in education establishments and other public institutions. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Cleaning, Paper, Personal Hygiene & Period Equality products Procurement Framework commenced on 1st June 2023 and can be accessed by public bodies through the Buyer Zone on the OGP website.
The DFHERIS will continue to engage in whole of government efforts to ensure period dignity including the Department of Health led-efforts for 2025, such as work to progress a period dignity support programme focused on Travellers, Roma and other groups of people experiencing significant need, and directly funding Local Authorities and NGOs for work progressing period poverty initiatives.
