Debate contribution: The draft Period Products (Department of Justice Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
Debate contribution by Mr Stewart Dickson on .
- MLA
- Mr Stewart Dickson
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 29 April 2024
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- The draft Period Products (Department of Justice Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4486438
Read the official Assembly record
Text
As a member of the Justice Committee, I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate. I thank those who worked and played a key part in getting the legislation to this stage. The ability to access essential hygiene products without worry is not just about cost but about convenience. It is a human right that speaks to dignity and equality. The Period Products (Free Provision) Act 2022 was landmark legislation and a high watermark for this legislative Assembly. The regulations mark a significant step forward in making sure that people who use those public spaces are never put at a disadvantage because of their period. By providing free products, the premises of key public service bodies that are under the Department of Justice will ensure that they are a first point of contact with the public and that they uphold those values. Those bodies are now fully equipped to support everyone, irrespective of their financial situation. We welcome the Department's indication that it will undertake a pilot project in other areas. This debate and those that we have had on period poverty regulations for other Departments have set the standard for public spaces. I encourage employers and others in the public space to similarly provide period products free of charge.
211 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.