asked the Minister for Defence if he will increase the funeral grant payable by his Department in respect of special allowance holders, military service pensioners and eligible disablement pensioners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Funeral Grant.
25.
The question of an increase in the funeral grant referred to by the Deputy is one for consideration by the Minister for Finance in the context of the annual budget. The matter was considered in connection with the recent budget but it was not found possible to grant an increase.
Will the Minister state for how long has the limit of £50 been in operation?
A funeral grant of £25 was introduced by the Minister for Finance in 1969 and it was increased to £50 in the 1972 budget. It remains at £50.
Does the Minister not accept that an increase is due now?
I will represent to the Minister for Finance that he might consider it in his next budget.