Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available for schools to assist them in addressing the issue of period poverty amongst their students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8685/25]

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the budget allocated for free sanitary products for schools since its launch in 2022; the names of the schools that availed of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8686/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.

The recently published Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, includes the commitment to provide free period products in schools to ensure no student is held back due to period poverty.

Menstrual education is supported in the SPHE curriculum at primary level in a number of strands, including the ‘Myself’ and the ‘Knowing about My Body’ strand units. Opportunities are also provided in the SPHE curriculum at both junior and senior cycle to address reproductive health including fertility and for further learning on menstruation.

My department is participating in the work of the inter-departmental period poverty group led by the Department of Health. I intend to make progress in relation to providing free period products and work in this area is being progressed.

Arising from the work of the inter-departmental group, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has established a procurement framework to supply cleaning, paper, personal hygiene and period products. The Framework is available at OGP (buyerzone.gov.ie). During development of the Framework, at the request of my department, it was arranged that it could be accessed by any primary or post-primary school. While the products are not free of cost, the framework arrangements offer value for money and a high-quality service.

It may also be helpful to note that the Schools Procurement Unit, the central support resource providing guidance and support to schools on procurement related issues can be contacted by email at to assist with information on the Framework and how to engage with it.

My department will continue to participate in the work of the inter-departmental group and work to ensure the Programme for Government commitment is advanced to ensure no student is held back due to period poverty.