Education Minister Daphne Caine has stated that all schools provide free period products to pupils.
Mrs Caine was took a series of questions in Tynwald regarding the consistency and accessibility of the provision.
In response to a question from Julie Edge, Mrs Caine said that the funding source for this provision is from “a mix of school budgets and donations”.
Despite this, Joney Faragher highlighted ongoing concerns, referencing a visit by Ballakermeen students to the House of Keys.
Ms Faragher said the students “highlighted that access to period products in schools is inconsistent with some students having to request items publicly in the foyer, which is a clear barrier to access”.
She argued that the current model, relying partly on charitable contributions and teachers, creates a “patchwork approach” and that “barriers to accessing period products persist with some pupils still feeling that they have no option other than to go home when caught short”.
In her defence of the current system, Mrs Caine detailed how products are made available.
“Free period products are widely available in schools, typically stored in accessible locations, such as staff toilets, medical rooms, reception areas or designated boxes,” she said.
She added that pupils are informed through “lessons in relationships and sex education, PSHE assemblies or direct communication from staff” and that support is offered discreetly, with some schools also providing “spare underwear and sanitary bins for disposal”.
When Miss Faragher pressed the minister to acknowledge the specific testimony from students who said they chose to go home rather than ask publicly, Mrs Caine said: “I can’t remember that. I take the honourable member’s assertion that that was a comment from some of the students.”
Source: Manx News, 10 December 2025
