Joe Walsh
Ceist:43 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Social Welfare when the death grant was last increased; and the plans, if any, he has to review this grant scheme. [12931/96]
Written Answers. - Death Grant Scheme.
Death grant is a social insurance benefit which is payable, subject to 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.
The purpose of the grant, which was introduced with effect from 1 October 1970, was to help with funeral and other post-bereavement costs. The rate of grant payable has not been increased since 1982. Clearly, the value of the grant has fallen having regard to average funeral costs.
It should be noted, that there are other measures in place which are designed to assist people in the immediate aftermath of bereavement. For example, 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. In addition, payment may also continue for six weeks after the death of an adult or child dependant.
The rate of death grant is reviewed in the context of the budget each year in common with all other social welfare rates of payment. I will be reviewing the present arrangements with a view to developing improved provision for income support for bereaved persons generally.