THE public is being asked for views on a new bill aimed at eradicating period poverty.
If passed, it will make period products free in all schools, colleges and public buildings.
The Department of Education announced last year that it was introducing a three-year pilot scheme.
But a Private Members’ Bill by SDLP assembly member Pat Catney seeks to expand this by making free provision permanent in schools and across a wider range of public settings.
The Assembly education committee yesterday launched a 'Call for Views'.
Committee chairman Chris Lyttle said: "While England, Scotland and Wales have all introduced legislation to provide free period products, locally, we have been slow to follow suit.
Mr Lyttle also said a recent survey of 200 students found "74 per cent had to leave a lesson, school or miss a day entirely due to lack of access to period products".
