AQW 1974/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/02/2020
Answered On Date: 17/02/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail the timescale in which consideration will be given to the issues, potential costs and options to ensure similar action is taken on period poverty among young people, as was pledged in England in March 2019.

Answer:

DE is the policy lead in this area in respect of schools however “period-poverty” is a cross-cutting issue therefore decisions regarding funding are for the NI Executive to consider. I am aware of developments in England, Wales and Scotland to provide sanitary products free of charge through a range of bodies and approaches.

Provision for all schools in Northern Ireland would be dependent on funding and my officials are considering potential options and costs in this regard. I will consider the issues as soon as practicable.