Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2022
207. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she will confirm that period products are readily available for all women in Dóchas and Limerick prisons and that the prisoners are not obliged to ask for or buy period products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22476/22]
View answerI am aware that issues regarding the availability of period products featured in the recent Covid-19 Thematic reports from the Inspector of Prisons. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that period products are available free of charge for all women in the Dóchas Centre and Limerick Prison and I can assure the Deputy that all women in Dóchas Centre and Limerick prison have access to sufficient supply of these and other products such as toiletries.
I am informed that the procedures for the distribution of period packs to women in the Dóchas Centre is that each woman is provided with a monthly pack, which can be requested through the prison Red Cross Volunteer Group. Requests for these products were previously made to the Class Officer. In Limerick prison a range of period products are available for the women and a monthly provision is provided, on request, from a dedicated female prison officer at the prison reception. Upon request, additional products can be provided and I can assure the Deputy that those in custody are not charged for these essential personal items.
