The Period Products (the Executive Office Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
Introduction
The Period Products (the Executive Office Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (the Regulations) came into force on 25 October 2024. These Regulations place a duty on specified public service bodies in Northern Ireland to provide free period products to anyone who needs them.
Specified Public Service Bodies
The specified public service bodies covered by the Regulations are:
- Education authorities
- Higher education institutions
- Youth justice centres
- Secure colleges
- Probation Board for Northern Ireland
What Period Products are Covered?
The Regulations define “period products” as:
- Sanitary pads
- Tampons
- Menstrual cups
- Reusable period underwear
Who is Eligible?
Anyone who needs period products is eligible to receive them free of charge under the Regulations. This includes:
- Students
- Staff
- Visitors
- Detainees
- Probationers
How to Access Free Period Products
Specified public service bodies must make period products available to anyone who needs them in a discreet and accessible way. This may include providing products in toilets, health centres, or other designated locations.
Enforcement
The Department of Education is responsible for enforcing the Regulations. Public service bodies that fail to comply with the Regulations may face enforcement action.
Background
The Regulations were introduced in response to concerns about period poverty in Northern Ireland. Period poverty refers to the situation where people lack access to affordable period products, which can have a significant impact on their health, education, and well-being.
Significance
The Regulations are a landmark step towards addressing period poverty in Northern Ireland. They ensure that anyone who needs period products can access them free of charge, regardless of their circumstances. The Regulations are expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of people who menstruate in Northern Ireland.
Additional Information
- The Regulations are available at: legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2024/335/regulation/1/made
- Further guidance on the Regulations can be found at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/period-products
Conclusion
The Period Products (the Executive Office Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 are a welcome step towards addressing period poverty in Northern Ireland. The Regulations ensure that everyone who needs period products can access them free of charge, regardless of their circumstances.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
UK New Legislation a new article on 2024-10-25 02:04 titled “The Period Products (the Executive Office Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
94