Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee has welcomed the announcement by Lidl that it is to provide free period products in its stores to combat period poverty in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland and The Simon Communities.
Senator Clifford-Lee said, “This is amazing news. The partnership between Lidl Ireland, Homeless Period Ireland, and the Simon Communities is so welcome and will help combat period poverty in Ireland. Lidl Ireland will also distribute free period products through the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and this sends a powerful message regarding female participation in sport.
“Nobody should go without period products. Nobody should face stigma, shame and inability to access education and sport.”
Senator Clifford-Lee recently brough forward legislation, having campaigned on the issue for many years, that will introduce a scheme to provide free period products for women, girls and trans people in Ireland. It will see the distribution of free period products in all schools, colleges, universities and other public buildings as well as through groups who support particularly vulnerable people. The bill has cross party support and cabinet approval.
The Senator added, “The bill is currently at committee stage and I look forward to working with the Department of Health as well as my colleagues in the Women’s Caucus to progress beyond committee stage as soon as possible.
“There is a real desire for the bill to move as quickly as possible and become law. Period Justice is a very real political issue in Ireland and I am glad that it is now front and centre on the political stage.”
