Menu
12/10/2021
New Period Products Bill To Be Introduced Into The Assembly
A new Period Products Bill, which aims to address period poverty across Northern Ireland by making free period products available in schools, colleges and all other public buildings, is to be introduced into the Assembly.
The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: "I am delighted that after much hard work, engagement with local groups and planning that my Period Products Bill will have its first reading in the Assembly on Monday. Period poverty is a huge issue throughout our society, with the SDLP's consultation on the bill revealing 45% of respondents struggled to afford or access sanitary products. With the cost of living and other essential products on the rise we need to do what we can to mitigate these costs for people who are struggling.
"For too long we have been failing our women and girls on this issue. These products are not luxuries, they are essentials and they cost a significant amount of money. That people are forced to go without them because they cannot afford them is utterly disgraceful. There should be no stigma around accessing these products when needed and those that are unable to afford them should be provided with them. Being unable to obtain period products is damaging to both a woman's physical and mental health.
"As a father of three women with three grandchildren who are girls I think we need to do everything we can to make the world a kinder and safer place for all women. This bill will be an important step in helping those who need it and I hope every party will see sense and back it on its journey through the Assembly. It's important we do everything we can to remove gendered barriers and create a fairer and more equal society."
The Bill, introduced by the SDLP's Pat Catney, is due to undergo its first reading in the Assembly.
The Lagan Valley MLA said: "I am delighted that after much hard work, engagement with local groups and planning that my Period Products Bill will have its first reading in the Assembly on Monday. Period poverty is a huge issue throughout our society, with the SDLP's consultation on the bill revealing 45% of respondents struggled to afford or access sanitary products. With the cost of living and other essential products on the rise we need to do what we can to mitigate these costs for people who are struggling.
"For too long we have been failing our women and girls on this issue. These products are not luxuries, they are essentials and they cost a significant amount of money. That people are forced to go without them because they cannot afford them is utterly disgraceful. There should be no stigma around accessing these products when needed and those that are unable to afford them should be provided with them. Being unable to obtain period products is damaging to both a woman's physical and mental health.
"As a father of three women with three grandchildren who are girls I think we need to do everything we can to make the world a kinder and safer place for all women. This bill will be an important step in helping those who need it and I hope every party will see sense and back it on its journey through the Assembly. It's important we do everything we can to remove gendered barriers and create a fairer and more equal society."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
Road Safety Week Highlights Human Cost Of Road Accidents
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), emergency services, and victim support groups have launched Road Safety Week 2024, highlighting the devastating impact of road traffic collisions. On average, one person loses their life on Northern Ireland's roads every week, with 57 fatalities recorded so far this year.
03 October 2023
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
SDLP Calls For Delivery Of Free Period Products In NI
The SDLP has called for the delivery of free period products in Northern Ireland. East Derry MLA Cara Hunter made the call following a Menstruation Matters event at Stormont on Monday, 02 October.
29 April 2024
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.
Assembly Approves New Regulations On Free Period Products
The Assembly has approved new regulations to ensure free period products are available to learners and staff at local further education colleges and higher education institutions.
27 June 2023
Free Period Products Consultation Launched
A new public consultation has been launched on the provision of free period products, with the Executive Office seeking input on the development of new legislation. The consultation states that period products are essential items for personal care and should be available to everyone who needs them, regardless of their economic status.
Free Period Products Consultation Launched
A new public consultation has been launched on the provision of free period products, with the Executive Office seeking input on the development of new legislation. The consultation states that period products are essential items for personal care and should be available to everyone who needs them, regardless of their economic status.
13 May 2024
Free Period Product Introduced Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become only the second place in the world to introduce legislation to provide free period products.
Free Period Product Introduced Across Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has become only the second place in the world to introduce legislation to provide free period products.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
