165. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the work undertaken by her Department in regard to the possibility of the introduction of menstrual leave for workers; if her Department will consider progressing legislation to this effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40390/26]

This Government is committed to supporting women in the workplace and recognises that menstruation can be a key health concern for some women.

The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 was launched on 18 November 2025 and the first Action Plan to oversee monitoring and implementation is currently in development. The Strategy is a whole of Government roadmap to closing gender gaps, including in the workplace, in education and in healthcare.

As part of the first Action Plan, the Department will be commissioning research with a view to providing a range of advice to employers to better support employees suffering from severe menstrual symptoms or going through menopause. It will focus on understanding employees experiences of menstruation and menopause in the workplace and how symptoms limit their daily activities. It is planned that this study will begin later this year.