Free period products for all schools from next year

Schools will receive annual grant funding from the Department of Education and Youth to provide free period products for students who may need them during the school day. Stock picture

Period products will be made available free in all eligible upper primary, secondary, and special schools from next September.

Education minister Hildegarde Naughton will on Thursday announce the expansion of the free period products initiative to all eligible upper primary, post-primary, and special schools participating in the free education scheme from the 2027/28 school year.

The initiative was rolled out in all Deis Plus schools at the start of this academic year.

Schools will receive annual grant funding from the Department of Education and Youth to provide free period products for students who may need them during the school day.

It follows a consultation with students, teachers, and school leaders, who expressed concerns about rising costs and the impact of period poverty.

Students who participated in the consultation emphasised the importance of being able to access period products discreetly, easily and without stigma while at school.

The scheme is designed to support student wellbeing, inclusion, and participation, while helping schools respond to the practical needs of young people.

Guidance and implementation supports will be issued to schools in advance of the initiative commencing ahead of the next school year.

• Louise Burne, Political Correspondent