Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy knows the rules and regulations around this. He said a substantial amount of documentation was submitted but he is not quite sure where it is. If the file is with him, he can send it directly to my office and I will ensure a review is carried out. From looking at the information I have, it seems outstanding information was to be provided. If that could be provided, it would certainly help to expedite the case.

I did not mean to reflect on undertakers in Kildare. In his contribution the Deputy said he is aware of undertakers in counties adjoining Kildare which have substantially higher costs. Figures I saw some months ago seem to suggest that is the case throughout the country. Deputy Dowds has on several occasions referred to the cost of funerals and graves in Dublin. At such a time in the life of a wife, husband or family, a person is not inclined to question costs. Rather, he or she is inclined to go to a service with which he or she has a relationship or the undertaker based in the town or locality and pay whatever is asked.

As legislators we have a certain amount of responsibility to protect people when they are at vulnerable stages in their lives and ensure they are not exploited. The next Government should review the issue. I am not suggesting that every undertaker overcharges, but some may be exploiting people during a very sensitive time. Given the difference in the figures throughout the country, there is obviously quite a different spread of funeral costs. If we can protect families in those circumstances, we have an obligation to try to do that. I ask the Deputy to supply me with the file and we will re-examine the case.

See this speech in context