On International Women’s Day, the Labour Party announced a set of proposals that will impact positively the welfare of women.

While continuing to expand free childcare, inwork benefits and social benefit tapering, a new Labour administration will refund 30% of pay over three years up to a maximum of €6,000 to those who employ women over the age of 40 with them, if these women had been previously inactive in the labour market.

Companies that employ more than 50 workers and who appoint women as 40% of their executive leadership will be given a tax credit of up to a maximum of €50,000.

A new Labour administration will lower the age for breast cancer screening to 45 years.

The contraceptive pill and the morning after pill will be distributed for free by pharmacies and health centres. Likewise, the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) will start to be offered free of charge to all women as part of the health service.

Menstruation-related products are a need for all women. In this light a new Labour Government will reduce the VAT rate on these products to the lowest rate permissible under European laws.  

In addition, there will be distribution of products related to menstruation in schools in order to eradicate the stigma that is still associated with this natural process.