MONEY given to schools to provide free period products has been cut by more than 40 per cent.
The Department of Education said the funding for the initiative had been slashed "due to a combination of budget reductions and the level of need being lower than expected in 2022-23".
The scheme allows for period products to be offered free in all schools, colleges and public buildings.
It also provides training for teachers in primary and post-primary schools to support them in discussing issues around periods with their pupils.
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But figures show that £413,786 was provided to schools in 2022-23 for period products, but that has now been cut to £243,000.
It comes amid continued pressure on the education system, which has seen a number of schemes halted or scaled back.
Just last week, the annual funding for education was cut in the budget from Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris.
A bill to provide free period products to everyone in Northern Ireland who needed them was also approved by the Assembly last year.
