Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
396. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to an ongoing case (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that payment is sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66834/25]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department of Social Protection may be able to assist with certain funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the estate or by the family of the deceased person, or the claim applicant if not a family member, without causing hardship. The person who arranges a burial or engages the services of an undertaker is responsible for discharging the bill and can apply for assistance through our Additional Needs Payment (ANP) where required.
According to the records of my Department, an ANP application was submitted by a friend of the deceased person for assistance with the costs of a funeral service for him. A request for further information in support of the claim issued to the person concerned on 14/10/2025. As all requested documentation was not received, the application could not be progressed, and the claim was closed.
My Department through the Community Welfare Service may provide for an arranged burial of a person where no next of kin has been identified. Generally, an arranged burial is not undertaken in cases where a next of kin exists. Whether or not a next of kin exists, must be established (in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and the HSE. If a next of kin is identified and unwilling to take responsibility for the deceased an arranged burial can be considered, however, the next of kin must formally waive all responsibility. This is done by the next of kin swearing an affidavit.
An arranged burial provides only for the dignified burial of a person and all arrangements are made by the Community Welfare Officer who coordinates with the local authorities, funeral directors, Gardaí, hospital or care facility staff. Where families abroad seek for the deceased to be repatriated, the embassy of origin should be contacted to seek assistance as costs associated with the costs of repatriation are not covered by my Department.
An officer of my Department will pursue contact with the social worker in order to progress the funeral arrangements for the deceased person as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
