Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I heard Deputy Boyd Barrett echo a point made by other Members about the cradle to the grave. In fact, the cuts extend from the womb to the tomb, because they also encompass those cuts to maternity benefit with which Members dealt earlier. This particular measure is one of the saddest cuts with which any government could come up. It targets those who are bereaved, for whom some relief had been available and which would contribute to an extent to the cost of a funeral. During yesterday's debate, I mentioned the average cost of a funeral in general across the country is approximately €4,000 or upwards. However, in the city of Dublin, one would not get change out of €10,000. Were one frugal, one might manage to have a funeral for €8,000 or €9,000 but in so doing, one would be lucky to have the cost of a hearse included.

The bereavement grant was promised as part of the range of benefits arising from PRSI payments and people now are beginning to question the benefit of the PRSI system if the benefits they are meant to derive therefrom are being cut. Members have already dealt with the cut to maternity benefit. In addition, the duration of jobseeker's benefit was cut earlier this year from 12 to nine months. Members have only just dealt with injury benefit and the changes to illness benefit. In addition, they will deal later with measures in respect of invalidity pension. While the Minister will claim the reason for all this is the obligation to manage the Social Insurance Fund, I note Opposition Members put forward proposals on how to address the shortfall in the Social Insurance Fund. In any event, it was set up in such a way that there would be times when it was short and times of plenty. These amendments were positive proposals to increase PRSI payments from companies that could afford it. They would not affect companies that were struggling or barely hanging on to employees but those which are making an absolute fortune in this country because of our tax regimes. Some of those in our society who can afford it could be asked to make a higher contribution. In addition, this Bill does not deal, as promised, with PRSI for employers to allow them to avail of some of these benefits. I do not know whether the Minister heard my contribution yesterday when I referred to the costs of funerals in Dublin but she definitely needs to think again about this measure. It is taking €17 million out of the pockets of those who are bereaved and shame on her.

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