Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to add my support to the motion. It is really a positive sign of how things are changing in Ireland that we are discussing more and more topics which had been kept, as my colleague described, in the space of euphemism and were not discussed. They are now coming into the realm. As mentioned by Senator Clifford-Lee, this is part of an opening up or a discussion of the fullness and reality of lived experience. This is about ensuring that is reflected in our debates and public policy.

Many of the issues have already been highlighted. I wish to join others in commending those in Homeless Period Ireland for their work. In particular I wish to commend Councillor Moynihan because I believe she put this on the agenda in Dublin and led the way in speaking about this issue.

There are some key issues that we need to look to. These include breaking the silence and looking at the affordability and accessibility of sanitary products. It is concerning when we look at Plan International Ireland's research because we can see that young people are particularly vulnerable. We need to think about young people, especially young people who may be on low social protection payments such as the reduced jobseeker's allowance. What does it mean if a person is accessing sanitary products out of that? What about other intersectional groups? Those who are homeless have been mentioned. I hope the Minister of State will be able to address that issue and the question of those in direct provision. That is a crucial issue given that we have had stasis. Today only a paltry amount of personal moneys are available for those in direct provision. The idea that sanitary products have to come out of that amount is a real concern.

My colleague, Senator Ó Donnghaile, mentioned those with a disability. It is one of those areas. Those with a disability have periods and in many cases are not always in a position of personal access or discretion. How do we ensure they are given the support and resources they need? This is a linked issue that I have discussed often with the Senator. Other related issues include adult incontinence and the supports, resources and materials given to carers in Ireland, many of whom may be caring for young people who are having periods, as well as for older people who need other sanitary and sanitation products.

As was rightly pointed out by Senator Bacik, this is part of the sustainable development goals. Sustainable development goal 5 relates to sanitation and goal 6 relates to gender equality.

Periods represent a large amount of time in every woman's life and indeed in the lives of many of those who may also be transgender. It comes to a considerable period of life and we should consider the time and energy that is lost in terms of the working spaces.

I wish to commend in particular the international aspect of the motion.It recognises that this is an international issue. I join in commending the young people who are here as part of the Politics Needs Women competition. They travelled to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. I also had the opportunity to travel to the Commission on the Status of Women with the European parliamentary forum on sexual and reproductive rights. One of the issues being raised by women's groups around the world is the issue of period poverty.

This is an example of how Ireland should and can continue to embrace the gender budgeting process. An event held jointly by Ireland and Uganda addressed the fact that young women in Uganda lose four or five days of education each month because of the practical issues and hassles associated with having a period as well as the stigma attached to it. Sanitary products and a shift in how budgets within the education system are allocated locally have contributed to greater education for younger women in Kenya. These measures are expected to have a similar effect in Uganda. This is a major international issue. Ireland is not limited to leading the way in dealing with it domestically. It can also lead the way in incorporating this issue into international development and ensuring these products are supported. Given the recent referendum, Ireland has an opportunity to be much more dynamic in promoting sexual and reproductive rights through our international development programmes.

Directives which require value added tax, VAT, to be levied on sanitary products create an obstacle for other countries across the European Union. Ireland does not currently levy VAT on sanitary products, which is positive. I would like this country to take the lead in supporting women across the rest of Europe by ensuring that an out-of-date directive that does not reflect the reality of life is changed and countries across Europe move to a 0% VAT rate.