Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue that faces everyone in the Chamber regardless of whether we like it, namely, death. One of the most difficult actions taken during the reduction in budgets was the removal of the bereavement grant of €850, which took effect on 1 January 2014. The consequence for families trying to bury loved ones has proven difficult. It has also proven difficult for undertakers, particularly those in rural areas who are embedded in their communities. Indeed, many are also local public representatives. The quality of coffin used by undertakers has diminished radically. Most are imported. People are losing jobs across the country because families cannot afford to buy good quality Irish coffins. The cost to the Exchequer of replacing the bereavement grant in the next budget would be minimal in the overall context. At this early point in our preparations for the 2016 budget, will the Leader bring this matter to the attention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection? It has come to my attention that the matter has upset people to no end. Families in probate situations do not have money. Undertakers are doing their best. Something that we in Ireland always try to do is bury our dead properly, but some families are being denied this opportunity.