MORE than 100 schools serving disadvantaged communities are to receive funding to provide free period products to students this school year.
The Department of Education and Youth grant scheme will support 101 schools in the DEIS Plus programme across 13 counties, including Dublin, Cork and Galway.
A total of €100,000 has been allocated for the 2026/27 school year.
The scheme is the first phase of a Programme for Government commitment to ensure no student is held back by period poverty. The long-term aim is to provide free period products in all upper primary, post-primary and special schools.
A consultation with 47 students aged 12 to 19, as well as teachers and principals, found overwhelming support for the move.
Students cited the rising cost of products and problems managing unpredictable periods. Staff described families affected by poverty and financial hardship.
