SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has urged the public to respond to a consultation on free period products.
The Executive Office has launched a public consultation after SDLP Councillor and former MLA Pat Catney introduced legislation in the Assembly last year.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I was proud to support my colleague Pat Catney when he worked with feminist activists last year to successfully introduce legislation to provide free period products in all schools, colleges and public buildings.
“It is heartening to see that we are another step closer to that objective as the Executive Office launches this public consultation in relation to the Act.
“It is crucial that as many people as possible respond to the consultation to inform policy around the provision of period products going forward.
“It’s completely inexcusable that in 2023, women are still held back because of the cost of these basic essentials.
“We need to do everything possible to break the stigma around periods and end period poverty for good.
“The Period Products Act was a huge step forward in that direction and I am proud that the SDLP was at the forefront of delivering that change.
“It is now time for the provisions of that Act to be enacted without delay, particularly for the many people across the North who are struggling in the cost-of-living emergency.”
