Overview
As part of the DEIS Plus scheme, funding has been provided to support access to free period products in participating schools for the 2026/27 school year.
The first phase of the initiative includes 101 schools across 13 counties: Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.
Full details can be found in the guidance on Period Products for Schools in the DEIS Plus Scheme
Grant payment
A grant will be paid directly to eligible schools by the Department of Education and Youth.
The grant will be issued annually, with the payment for the 2026/27 school year paid to eligible schools in September 2026.
Accounting for the grant
The grant income and expenditure should be recorded appropriately in the school’s accounts. There is no new grant income code required to be added to the chart of accounts.
- The grant receipt can be recorded under nominal code 3290 Other Non-Capital DE Grant Income.
- The expenditure can be recorded in code 4635 Student Wellbeing Expense
Any unspent amount must be included in the balance sheet at the year-end under the account code 2171 – Other Non-Capital Ringfenced Grants Unspent.
Calculation of Grant
The grant is based on the number of students in the school who, based on their age, are likely to have started their period.
For primary schools, the calculation is based on student numbers in fourth class and above.
At the end of the school year, the Department will contact schools to review whether the level of funding provided is appropriate.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant is provided to:
- A range of sanitary pads and tampons to be available, including products suitable for light to heavy periods and tampons with and without applicators.
- Access to other period products, such as period pants and menstrual cups.
Full details can be found in the guidance on Period Products for Schools in the DEIS Plus Scheme
How can schools purchase the products?
Schools may purchase period products through the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) framework, Cleaning, Paper, Personal Hygiene and Period Equality Products.
Full details can be found in the guidance on Period Products for Schools in the DEIS Plus Scheme
Further Information and Queries
- Queries about OGP frameworks can also be emailed to support@ogp.gov.ie.
- Advice on using the OGP framework and practical procurement support is available from the Schools Procurement Unit.
- For specific queries about the Free Period Products Funding, schools can contact the Department of Education and Youth at Period_Products@education.gov.ie.