Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the motion and commend Deputy Catherine Martin and the women's caucus on bringing this forward. We must be honest and admit that there are statistics quoted in the motion of which we were not aware and that are frightening, such as that 50% of young girls find it difficult to afford sanitary products. We should also mention the vision of Dublin City Council, as outlined in the motion, in making an effort when compared with other sectors of society.

We can have all the motions we want here but we need to make an honest effort and the Government should show leadership on this issue in the forthcoming budget. A similar initiative is being rolled out in Aberdeen on a pilot basis. I do not like doing things on a pilot basis. If we are doing something we need to do it throughout the country. The different places in which facilities could be provided are outlined in the motion. We need to ensure such facilities are in every part of the country, wherever people live. That can be done if there is will from the Government.

I commend the women's caucus again. It is an educational motion for the likes of us and, if the will is there, this can be delivered.

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