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Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Questions (579, 580, 581)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

579. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there has been any follow-up by his Department to ensure that period products are being provided free of charge at all direct provision centres. [25513/21]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

580. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of direct provision centres that have invoiced the International Protection Procurement Services in relation to the provision of period products. [25514/21]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

581. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if notification of the provision of free period products was included in the March 2021 edition of the resident’s newsletter. [25515/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 579 to 581, inclusive, together.

I can confirm that period products are provided free of charge in all of my Department’s accommodation centres.

As part of the initiative to prevent period poverty and promote gender equality, since 15 March 2021, residents of centres that offer a points-based foodhall system have not had points deducted for period products. Residents of centres without a foodhall system have continued to receive period products free of charge from centre management.  All centre managers were advised of their obligations in this regard by way of email on 8 March 2021.

A notice advising residents of the availability of period products free of charge was included in the March 2021 newsletter and can be accessed at the link below:

https://ipascomms.newsweaver.com/n1dppz67ll/118k0kxtap6?lang=en&a=2&p=276930&t=80498

To date, 12 centres have submitted invoices to my Department for the recoupment of costs associated with the provision of period products to residents. In response to enquiries by my officials, a further 36 centres indicated that they were likely to submit invoices in the near future; three said that they had received donations of period products from the local community/local businesses; and four stated that they intended to carry the costs of period products themselves and that they would not be invoicing the Department.

Question No. 580 answered with Question No. 579.
Question No. 581 answered with Question No. 579.
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