Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
45. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if she will take steps to rectify the current situation in which sanitary products are not available in every hospital and ward in the country when they are requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo answer the Deputy’s question, My Department implemented a pilot project in Sligo University Hospital in 2025 with the objective of providing period dignity in hospitals by providing free period products in publicly accessible bathrooms, as per the recommendations of the Period Poverty in Ireland Discussion Paper, the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, 2025 and the Women’s Health Action Plan, 2022-2023 and 2024 - 2025.
The project was rolled out in early 2025 and funding was provided to the value of €16,147.54. During the roll out phase 22 female toilets in the high traffic areas of the hospital were fitted with dispensers and supplied with period dignity products. Phase 2 of the pilot project will commence shortly where an additional 22 toilets will be equipped with dispensers and period dignity products. The funding allocated for this will be €27,992.50 this includes €16,147.54 to install and stock dispensers in the further 22 toilets in SUH, plus €11,845.00 to stock the previous 22 toilets that were equipped with dispensers in phase 1 of the project. I am hoping to build on the success of this project and roll out similar initiatives in the future.
