A Stormont private member's bill to provide free period products in education and public buildings is to be offically launched next week in Lisburn.
Speaking to the Local Democracry Reporting Service Cllr Catney said: "I have three daughters and three granddaughters and to think of any of them finding themselves in a situation where they would not be able to gain access to period products is just terrible. Some pilot programmes had previously been put in place by the Department of Education, though high budget cuts of 40% in 2023 had put an end to future spending in this way.The full expansion of period products to schools and colleges will take place further down the line as well as across all government public buildings.
"There should be no stigma around accessing these products when needed and those that are unable to afford them should be provided with them. Being unable to obtain period products is damaging to both a woman’s physical and mental health.