Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
619. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will amend the requirements of the supplementary welfare allowance assistance towards funeral expenses to ensure that the parents of stillborn children are given financial support. [53368/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on introducing a scheme that would cover the cost of burials and cremations for the families of deceased children, including still-born children similar to a model in the UK (details supplied). [53369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, the Department may make an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship. Antepartum deaths are not excluded from the provision of support for funeral and burial expanses under this scheme.
An ENP is a means tested payment payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Should the Deputy be aware of a case which may require an ENP to assist with the cost of a funeral, the family should be advised to contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre who may be able to offer assistance. There is a national Income Support Helpline in place (0818800024) which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
