Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1080. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 25 October 2018, the way in which he plans to ensure that direct provision centres will provide period products to all residents who need them; and if he plans to amend the direct provision contracts for the products to be procured and distributed to direct provision centres. [14699/21]
View answerAs part of the initiative to prevent period poverty and promote gender equality I can confirm that, as of 15 March 2021, period products are now provided free of charge in all International Protection accommodation centres across the country.
From 15 March 2021, residents being accommodated in centres that offer the points-based foodhall system will no longer have points deducted when obtaining period products. Residents living in centres without this facility will continue to receive period products free of charge from centre management. Details of this initiative will also be published in the residents’ newsletter for March.
Centre management have been instructed to invoice the International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS) in my Department to recoup any additional costs they incur as a result of this change.
