Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is correct; the report covers a broad array of subject matters. There is one recommendation, however, where there is a clear articulation of the view, through the surveys that were carried out, of the need to provide greater signposting regarding, in particular, access to the supplementary welfare allowance for funeral costs. That resonated me because all of us, as public representatives, are proactive in assisting our constituents to access the supplementary welfare allowance for funeral costs, but it has become obvious to me now that not everybody is aware of that service. The service is invaluable because it takes a lot of pressure off families who need support. Could greater emphasis be put on providing greater signposting towards that service within the Department regarding the supplementary welfare allowance and exceptional or additional needs payments when it comes to funeral services?

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