FUNDING to help address period poverty among school pupils is due to be agreed by ministers today.
It is understood that a paper is being brought to the executive by DUP education minister Peter Weir.
If approved, up to £2 million will be made available to provide period products in post-primary schools.
Similar schemes in Britain aim to help prevent young people missing school if they do not have access to products at home.
Parties in the north have spoken in favour of a similar initiative.
Sinn Féin education spokeswoman Karen Mullan said rising costs of sanitary products had an impact on many girls attending school.
"Many are forced to use alternative methods as they simply cannot afford sanitary products," she said.
"I have worked with and urged the education and economy ministers to make these products freely available in schools and in further and higher education campuses.
"I believe this can help reduce stress and anxiety placed on girls when attending schools during their period, help them focus on their studies and reduce absence from school."
The assembly education committee has backed calls for free products.
"It is unacceptable many young girls are unable to access period products, leading to anxiety, health issues and disruption to their education,” said chairman Chris Lyttle.
