Robert Molloy
Question:18 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of the escalating costs of burials, if he will increase the present death or funeral grant paid by his Department. [3190/95]
Written Answers. - Death Grants.
Ivor Callely
Question:183 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare his views on whether the death grant of £100 should be increased to a more realistic amount due to escalating financial costs, and in view of the fact that it has remained static since 1982; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3327/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 183 together.
A death grant under the Social Welfare Acts is payable, subject to the satisfaction of certain PRSI contribution conditions, on the death of an insured person, or of their spouse or child under 18. The amount of the grant varies with the contribution record and, in the case of children, with the age of the child. Death grants are not payable to persons on non-contributory payments.
In addition, where a person dies while in receipt of a social welfare payment, the payment usually continues to be paid to his or her adult dependant for six weeks. Payment may also continue for six weeks after the death of an adult or child dependant.
There is also a funeral grant, which is unconnected with the death grant, payable in certain cases under occupational injuries provisions.
The Commission on Social Welfare recommended that death grants should be part of social insurance but should be available as social assistance. In this context I want to review how best to assist people on low incomes who suffer a bereavement.