PERIOD products should be made freely available in all secondary schools, according to County mayor Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, writes Kieran O’Mahony.

She called on Cork County Council to write to the Department of Education and the Department of Health after she was contacted by TY students from her local secondary school about the issue.

Cllr Linehan Foley commended Cllr Gobnait Moynihan, who previously raised a motion calling for period products be made freely available at all council-owned buildings.

‘We can see that this is a massive success and in this day and age it should be mandatory in all secondary schools too but it’s not,’ said Cllr Linehan Foley.

Cllr Una McCarthy (FG) who seconded her motion, said she sees it first-hand in her role as a secondary school teacher.

‘Too often students have to approach their teachers in corridors or in the class asking for basic period products. It’s a simple practical support and it is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,’ said Cllr McCarthy. ‘In particular, some students from lower economic backgrounds may need them more.’

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) said: ‘No girl should have to miss school or feel embarrassed because they do not have period products.’

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan (FF) said it’s really important that period products should be free everywhere, commending the council library service for taking the initiative at the time and rolling it out.

Her colleague, Cllr Gearóid Murphy added: ‘As one of the boys in Cork County Council I want to support the motion and it’s a very practical matter and helps makes lives easier,’ said Cllr Murphy.