Libraries will provide sanitary products
A MOTION calling for free sanitary products to be made available at public buildings sparked a debate including whether or not contraception should be provided for Wexford residents at public buildings.
Cllr George Lawlor called on councillors to support the initiative, saying Dublin City Council has already recognised period poverty as a real issue for women in low income homes.
Calling for free sanitary products to be made available in all council offices, swimming pools and libraries, Cllr Lawlor said his motion might be perceived as being on a sensitive issue.
‘It’s aimed at young girls who find themselves in difficulty. Young girls are missing school. I spoke to the staff at the women’s refuge and it’s certainly an issue they would support. Scotland has voted on this very issue. I am calling on this government, this local government to take this initiative even on a pilot basis. People are finding themselves in homelessness situations due to domestic abuse.’
Cllr Lisa McDonald supported the motion. ‘It’s a valid point. It’s not something we think about very often but if there’s anything that can be done to help young girls in poverty, we should.’ Cllr Malcolm Byrne expressed concern about the practicalities of providing the service, while Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said many organisations provide comfort baskets for ladies which are not used.
Cllr Willie Fitzharris said: ‘Anything given for free tends to be abused. You see it in community centres where toilet rolls are put down the drains. We might be best advised to get advice from a ladies’ group.’
Cllr John Hegarty asked for evidence to back up Cllr Lawlor’s assertion that they are needed.
‘What evidence are we working off here that we are aware that this is an issue. Noone will speak against it but are we looking at solving a problem that doesn’t exist. This (motion) is about all county council buildings. I am certainly not aware of the issue. Do we then not look at providing contraception for free?’
After some debate it was agreed to provide free sanitary products at all libraries on a pilot basis and to review how it works with a view to revisiting the issue at a later date.