A tampon dispenser has been installed in the men’s bathroom at the government building of Leinster House, apparently in an effort to ensure gender neutrality for males who may be menstruating.
The revelation came from Irish Independent editor Philip Ryan earlier this week, who posted a photo of the dispenser on Twitter. “Just installed in men’s toilet in Leinster House,” he wrote.
The post was immediately met with ridicule and disbelief from shocked Twitter users.
“The first Dáil was just over 100 years ago – they’d have a great laugh if they were still around,” said one user, posting a clown emoji.
The 1st Dail was just over 100 years ago. They'd have a great laugh if they were still around.
🤡🤡— John G (Dub) 🇮🇪 (@jonnyg0156) November 24, 2022
“A thundering waste of taxpayer money,” wrote another.
not to mention those vending machines could be put to use in places where they're actually needed – in a ladies toilet. Ask any woman, never find one when you need one; the chances of it being stocked, close to none
— SuperErogator 🇺🇦 (@hududhura) November 24, 2022
Some individuals expressed outright disbelief.
“Is this a joke or what? World gone mad sadly,” one said.
Still more said the move was “more woke nonsense,” “woke on speed,” and that “Ireland has officially jumped the shark.”
One person even called it “performative nonsense.”
Men don’t use or need them. So what’s the point of this beyond some Performative nonsense. #IrishStateCapture
— Hélène 🇮🇪 (@helerina) November 24, 2022
However, not everyone found the move ridiculous.
“About time,” said Journalist Donal O’Keeffe, in response to the photo.
About time.
— Donal O’Keeffe (@Donal_OKeeffe) November 24, 2022
“Men with vaginas have periods too. This is fab,” said another user.
😂😂😂😂
— Tessperanto (@TessW62) November 25, 2022
The move is the latest in a series of policies the government has put forward to make society more “gender neutral.”
Government ministers have already begun to use less gendered language, such as Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman using the phrase “person power” rather than “manpower” this week.
Minister Roderic O'Gorman says that he has sought additional "person power" (rather than manpower) in his Department to deal with the asylum influx. pic.twitter.com/lRLjcRPC4K
— Ben Scallan 🇮🇪 (@Ben_Scallan) November 24, 2022
Primary school teachers in Ireland have also been urged not to use the phrase “boys and girls” when referring to classes, and have been told instead to choose a more gender neutral alternative.
Irish primary teachers discouraged from saying “boys & girls”
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