Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I do not know if the words "period poverty" were ever uttered in this House before today. I suspect they were probably not. I doubt very much that periods have been much discussed in the Chamber apart from, as I recall, when we discussed the abortion legislation and reference to women's periods was written into the Bill. It is welcome that what has been called a "period revolution" is taking place in the world. The film, "Period. End of Sentence.", which deals with this issue on a global scale for the majority of women and girls on the planet, could win an Oscar. It is good that the taboo has been broken.

A period is a perfectly natural event that affects more than half the planet. In many cultures, however, it causes women and girls to be banished and to miss out on education and life. In the so-called developed world and Ireland, period poverty is also a reality. I welcome this motion and that similar motions have been introduced in many other forums recently. I echo the point that if we want to end period poverty, we must end poverty.

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