Extensive research is required to examine the prevalence of period poverty in Ireland, according to a discussion paper published by the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children.
Period poverty refers to inadequate access to menstrual hygiene, including period products, washing and waste management facilities and education.
In 2019, a sub-committee was established after motions were passed in the Dáil and Seanad, calling on the Government to introduce measures to mitigate period poverty.
The group, which included NGOs, public bodies and a number of Government departments, examined the extent of the problem of period poverty in Ireland and identify at-risk population cohorts.
It was asked to make recommendations on education, stigma reduction and the targeting of at-risk groups regarding period poverty.
In a paper published today, the sub-committee said more data is required to establish the prevalence of period poverty here.
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It suggested that this data be gathered through surveys, studies and focus groups and said information resources are required to address stigma associated with periods.
The paper also noted that the most vulnerable groups - people who are homeless, those living with active addiction, people in long-term State accommodation and minority ethnic groups including members of the Traveller and Roma communities - need to be able to obtain supplies of period products in a stigma-free manner.
A 2018 Plan International survey in Ireland found that 50% of girls aged 12 to 19 reported occasional experience of period poverty and 10% reported use of "less suitable sanitary products", for reasons of cost.
In Ireland, while tampons and sanitary towels are zero-rated for VAT purposes, newer period products introduced to the market after EU VAT harmonisation in 1991 cannot be zero rated, so the standard rate of 23% applies.
Negotiations are continuing at EU level to give greater flexibility to member states to allow for lower VAT rates on newer period products.
The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan, has said he hopes that legislation will be passed "in the coming weeks and months" to provide period products free of charge in public places.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Mr Feighan said there is no target date on when this legislation will be passed, but said "the sooner the better".
He said "we want to get this right".
The commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a range of free period products in all educational, publicly funded settings, will be delivered upon, he added.
