Gladys

Some people, despite being highly intelligent, choose not to take a degree.

Thanks for the correction on VAT, others have pointed this out. I am in favour of having free period products available in certain places, particularly schools. Many local businesses are also making them available at their premises voluntarily. There is a local FB group (Free Period Products, I think), which publicises those businesses which make this provision. What I do question is the need to legislate for this, could it not be a policy decision by Tynwald to provide them free of charge at certain government facilities? I don't doubt that there are women who face, or have faced, period poverty and have not been able to afford to buy period products at some point. But I do wonder if there is a bit more behind the stark figures you quote, such as being skewed by those in the school age range where their ability to purchase is vulnerable to their family circumstances. What also needs to be clarified is whether what is proposed is provision of individual products, or packs of them. The former, which seems to be how the businesses provide them but I am sure they wouldn’t object to someone taking several, is fine for times when you are 'caught short' but the latter is actually more effective in countering real period poverty.

You started off posting under your current emanation, as a quite reasonable and engaged poster. Now you have reverted to rude and arrogant, and you consider your opinions and arguments to be far more important than others. No doubt we will soon hear no more from you, until another new poster comes along all reasonable and engaged.

Try asking Douglas City Council.

The type of boat where the G&T glasses are gimballed?

Just to quote your OP which says nothing about the Villa, just was there going to be a screen and where, and that you don't understand the logic, although some have suggested some logic. I read it and just didn't agree that it is such a bad idea and would breathe life into the area. My bad.

The question should be that if everyone at MR was made redundant, on what terms (equivalent to civil service terms?) and who would pay? Also, does MR have it's own funded pension scheme, ie is it a liability that falls on the IOMG pension scheme?

The big screen may be a red herring from me, but if there is no big screen, not sure of the point in closing the road really. Putting it in the Villa gardens sounds fine until you think of having to provide toilets and a bar, possibly catering vans, outside.

Well, there is the stretch from Ridgeway Street to Quine's Corner (?) Which is the block before the block the Bridge is in. What huge roundabout? It is a small roundabout allowing traffic from North Quay to join the major route South and traffic to turn into the car park (parade Street?) coming from the south. Just seems like 'they' try stuff but are criticised every time, then criticised when nothing happens.

That will be my fault then, but it seemed a reasonable assumption. Do we know if the proposed closure is for an area bigger than Market Hill to Ridgeway Street? If, not there is only one pub that I can think of.

Nor is the Bridge.

Had something in the post from the ACU (?) about road closures a couple of days ago. Suppose the PO are delivering them as and when.

Thankfully.

Didn't Castletown do something similar for a rugby match? As Albert says the area is already largely pedestrianised. Football is not my thing at all, but if it breathes a bit of life into the place, then why not?

That is a shame. These things are worth trying. @Anthony Ingham no, it is not the same as Castletown, I didn't say it was, but like I say, worth a try. North Quay has not been a route to anywhere for years. Give it a go and let's see, eh?

Seems to have worked in Castletown.

Yes, popped up today. Very busy and A&J butchers have a good range. I do wonder how they are competing with the various Asian grocers that have opened recently, but they have some great 'exotics'

You talked yourself in to and out of that one!

Think it was Connibears about where the Spar shop is next to Boots.

Thanks Code, I should have checked!

He would only know if he was involved in the HR function. Otherwise, he is an outsider who attends to cover absences and has no insight as to the reason for the absence, or at least shouldn't.

If you read back I ask why period products are not classed as medical dressings. Period products are not a part of modern life, periods have been around for ages. Where else can the argument go? Who knows? How are incontinence pads classified?

TBF, it is probably not IOMG but HMRC who write the rules on VAT.

There is a report about delays in issuing work permits, for which the Treasury has apologised but referring to the delays arising from difficulties in applying the regs. I have probably summarised that inaccurately, but is there something of a knock on from vague reports of earlier issues from some immigrant work permits? ETA this is the report, issue seems to be in immigration. https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/apology-for-those-facing-challenges-with-visa-applications/

No, I agree, I probably wasn't clear. My comment which you quote was about the wider application not schools, but it should definitely be applied in schools. I picked up what is proposed later and fully agree. Of course I have been 'caught out' (who hasn't?) and I make reference to that in a later post. The other point being made is that sanitary products (is that now the wrong term?) are taxed as luxury products. Not sure what tax that is, VAT? Luxury implies a choice, but you don't have any choice. Surely these products are no different to any other medical dressing? Another argument I have seen is about using Moon Cups, which are much more environmentally acceptable and with no ongoing outlay. However, these may not be appropriate for school aged children. Whether it needs legislation is another debate, given the pressure on drafting and legislative time, which is why I think a Tynwald set policy may be better.