Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding State payments (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44089/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My Department provides a range of supports to people as contingencies arise. When a death occurs, provision is made to continue the payment of the person's benefit to the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.

In the case of a separated person, and where there is no legal divorce in place, the person to whom the payment may be made is the spouse. There is no provision to make after death payments to children of the deceased. I have no plans to provide for changes to this practice.