Ms Mary Higgins:

A question was asked regarding the children's hospital. That issue has caused confusion. It was discussed at board meetings because board members and I were confused about it. Our fund is capped by legislation at €110 million. If more money comes from the religious congregations, it will be put into a separate fund and will be put towards the children's hospital. That is a matter decided by the Oireachtas rather than an action we took.

There was a question about complicated materials. We have worked very hard to make our materials simple and straightforward. They are in plain English and are stamped by the National Adult Literacy Agency. There are easy-to-read versions of documents. There are films with subtitles and sign language on our website. We are always open to listening to criticism or suggestions on how our materials might be improved and then making improvements if we can.

In terms of funeral expenses being inconsistently applied, I do not know what the issue in that regard might be. There is a limit to funeral costs that will be covered. We might go over the limit if required in a specific circumstance. It should be borne in mind that we are person-centred and therefore prioritise dealing with the person over rigidly applying the rules. If people with concerns about inconsistencies relate them to us, we can consider those concerns.

There was an issue about Towards Healing and the Catholic organisation. To explain, we pay Towards Healing rather than the applicant having to get receipts, quotes or whatever it may be from the counsellor. However, people who come to us are already engaged in counselling with Towards Healing counsellors. The counsellors are not Catholic or anything else. Towards Healing has contractor rather than in-house counsellors. We pay for counselling, which is one of the things we can do. That is the arrangement with Towards Healing. However, I take on board the Deputy's point.