I 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.