A renewed push for free sanitary products in secondary schools has emerged in County Cork, with local leaders calling for urgent government action to address period poverty among students.
The Lord Mayor of County Cork, Mary Linehan Foley, has formally raised the issue following direct appeals from students. The request came after a student council meeting at a secondary school highlighted widespread concern about access to period products.
“In this day and age, we shouldn't even have to be asking for this,” she said, describing the scale of need as both surprising and concerning. She explained that students had approached her seeking support, prompting her to bring a motion before the council, which passed unanimously.
Linehan Foley stressed that the unpredictability of menstruation can leave students unprepared during the school day. “Periods can come unexpectedly… you can be caught out and be in school and not have the products with you, so they should be there,” she said.
She also pointed to previous findings indicating the seriousness of the issue. A subcommittee review in 2017 suggested that a significant majority of women are at risk of period poverty, with many students missing school as a result. “It’s embarrassing enough; it’s hard enough on teenagers… they’re going through enough nowadays without the extra stress,” she added.
The call aligns with commitments outlined in the government’s Programme for Government, which includes provisions to ensure free access to period products in schools. Earlier this year, Education Minister Helen McEntee reaffirmed plans to advance this initiative.
Support for the proposal has been echoed by councillors across the region. Una McCarthy, a secondary school teacher, highlighted the daily realities faced by students. “Too often they have to approach teachers… asking for basic period products. It’s a simple and practical support,” she said.
Councillor Ann Bambury also backed the motion, emphasising the emotional toll on students. “No girl should ever have to feel they need to miss school, feel embarrassed or struggle in silence,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Sinead Sheppard praised the students who initiated the discussion. “Without them coming forward I don't think we would be having this discussion,” she said.
Free period products are already available in many public buildings across Cork, including libraries and leisure facilities, where the initiative has been widely regarded as successful. Campaigners now argue that extending the scheme to all secondary schools is a necessary next step to ensure equal access to education and student wellbeing.
