Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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565. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when her Department will ensure that period products are available for free in all schools, as per the Programme for Government commitment to provide free period products in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48829/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The 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. I intend to make progress in relation to providing free period products in schools and work is continuing to advance on this issue.

Arising from the work of the inter-departmental group led by the Department of Health, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) established a procurement framework that includes period products across Governments departments and other bodies. During development of this Framework, at the request of my department, it was arranged that it could be accessed by any primary or post-primary school. The Framework is available at OGP (buyerzone.gov.ie). 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 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 procurementsupport@spu.ie 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 progressed.