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Departmental Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Questions (264)

Noel Grealish

Question:

264. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the purpose of her proposed research project to examine funeral poverty here; the amount allocated in budget 2020; the details of the person or body carrying out the research; the range of matters to be addressed; the expected or planned timescale for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42531/19]

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Written answers

The sadness surrounding the bereavement of a loved one can be further compounded by the financial worries that some families can endure at this time.  A report by Senator Mary Louise O’Donnell “Finite Lives - An examination of State Services in Ireland” (Part 2 of which was published in 2017), set out recommendations for a whole of Government approach to supporting end-of-life issues.  One of the recommendations of this report was to conduct research on the socio-economic impacts of the costs associated with death, dying and bereavement.  

In Budget 2020, I announced funding to support a research project by the Irish Hospice Foundation which intends to examine funeral poverty in Ireland and the wider economic impact of bereavement.  The amount which I have allocated as a once off contribution to the cost of this research is €60,000 for 2020, and will support the Irish Hospice Foundation in carrying out this independent research.  

This research will examine how bereavement affects people, particularly the economic impact of death.  It will seek to trace the dynamics of bereavement in Ireland, identify immediate and longer-term impacts on families, identify the costs and deficits, and explore ways to mitigate against economic impact. 

I am happy to provide support to the Foundation in conducting research in this important area, which will serve to further inform future Government policy in this matter.

Officials in my Department will continue to engage with the Foundation on the methodology and  timescale for completion of the research during 2020.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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