Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister well knows, exceptional needs payments are very important discretionary payments designed to help individuals and families experiencing grave financial difficulties. The Minister recently stated that of the order of €35 million was spent on the exceptional needs payments programme last year. However, the budget for 2014 is going to be cut by €2 million. In addition, the bereavement grant is being abolished and this will lead to a so-called saving of €17 million. All of this is going to lead to many families being left in very exceptionally difficult circumstances.

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