Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
116. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if female prisoners are now provided with period packs following the Inspector of Prisons 2021 Limerick report that this was not the case contrary to the February 2021 Period Poverty in Ireland report; and the number of packs distributed to prisoners in 2022 in both Limerick and Dóchas. [5230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that while the Inspector of Prisons Thematic Inspection Report for Limerick Prison did not state that sanitary products were not available for women in prison, it did record some negative experiences by some women in relation to the range of products available in Limerick Prison.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a range of period products are available for the women in Limerick Prison and a monthly provision is provided, on request, from a dedicated female prison officer in the prison reception. I can assure the Deputy that all prisoners in Limerick have access to sufficient supply of these and other products such as toiletries.
I am informed that the procedures for the distribution of period pack to prisoners in the Dóchas Centre have been changed and each woman is now provided with a monthly pack, which can be requested through the prison Red Cross Volunteer Group rather than a staff member.
I am further informed that the average number of women in custody between the Dóchas Centre and the Female wing of Limerick Prison in 2021 was 144 and the average monthly distribution of period packs was 226 between both locations. The figures for January 2022 have not yet been collated but will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
