Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health if a lump sum from a pension will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44077/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme provides for the payment of a death gratuity to the legal personal representative if a member dies while serving. The personal representative is known as the executor where there is a will or the administrator where there is no will or no executor appointed. On production of probate or letters of administration, a death gratuity is payable to the legal personal representative. This is a requirement of the pension scheme.

In the meantime, while probate is being processed, should the individual concerned require funds for funeral expenses, the HSE has discretion to released monies from the deceased person's gratuity entitlement. Any amount released would be deducted from the final gratuity payable.

If the person concerned requires this facility, he/she may make enquiries with the HSE for the release of funds. This request may be made to the HSE Pensions Unit at pensionpayments@hse.ie.