‘What A Disgrace!’ – NUI Galway Criticised After Asking Female Interviewees About Their Menstrual Cycles

NUI Galway is at the centre of major controversy today after it emerged that the university asks potential female employees about their menstrual cycles. According to The Connaught Tribune, a questionnaire including 40 "invasive" questions is given to those who plan to work at the third-level institution and includes queries about whether a woman has had "any problems with your menstrual periods", as well as any breast or gynaecological issues. The form stated that NUI Galway requires the information to determine whether the candidate is “fit for the job” and can “carry out the job without any undue risk to the health and safety of themselves or others at work”. It adds that NUI Galway “will have reasonable expectation that the appointee will provide regular attendance at work until retirement”. The newspaper quotes a senior member of staff at the university, who said that the questions were"borderline misogynistic". "They are such an invasion of privacy it is unbelievable. Why are the menstrual periods of women workers of concern to NUI Galway? If you answer ‘yes’ to this question, what are the consequences? It is a breach of privacy." NUI Galway has defended the questions, saying that all information is "completely confidential" and is returned directly to the Occupational Health Physician. A spokesperson added that the form "replaces the need for a face-to-face medical consultation for staff". "Where a staff member responds positively to questions, the doctor will contact them directly to elicit further information and arrange a consultation if necessary. No person is deemed unfit for employment on the basis of the information disclosed on the occupational pre-placement health assessment form alone," they said. "Detailed questions are asked in an effort to identify underlying physiological problems which may require further support. The University takes on board the concerns which have been raised and will review its process in order to ensure that it continues to follow best practice in the area." The story has prompted a backlash on Twitter, with the questions being called "a disgrace" and "ridiculous". It has also sparked the #answerstoNUIG, which is being used by many to highlight their views on the situation.

Once the cafeteria serves chocolate, my menses induced homicidal tendencies will not affect the safety of others at work #answerstoNUIG — Eleanor Walsh (@EleanorWalsh_ie) February 27, 2015

No, my menstrual cycle is spot on. All psyched up for the new job. #answerstoNUIG pic.twitter.com/CSOWWGaY7g — Anita Byrne (@anitambyrne) February 27, 2015

I don't have a menstrual cycle, but I do have a Honda 50. Does that count? #answerstoNUIG — Aoife Martin (@aoifemrtn) February 27, 2015

Hysteria is a big part of my life, along with taking laudanum, fainting fits and flashing my ankles at passing gallants #answerstoNUIG — Deirdre OShaughnessy (@deshocks) February 27, 2015

I wear tight white clothing & go sky diving & rollerblading. #answerstoNUIG — Aoife Martin (@aoifemrtn) February 27, 2015