Should the funeral grant be brought back for those in need? 

Independent TD Michael Collins believes the Government needs to do more to help those who are bereaved and struggling financially.

The bereavement grant came to an end in 2013 during the austerity years but Deputy Collins told The Journal that the Department of Social Protection should consider re-introducing a “proper, meaningful bereavement grant for people”.

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, J & C Nichol Managing Director Gus Nichols said the cost of funerals has gone up in recent years - but the increase is broadly in line with inflation.

“My fees are, say, €4,000 - let’s just pick a figure,” he said.

“The final bill might be €7,000 because we’ve paid for the opening of a grave, we’ve paid for florists, for musicians, for churches, celebrants, for live streaming, for printing.

“That’s a pretty extensive list that doesn’t have a full stop, to be honest.”

A funeral procession with mourners following the coffin in rural Ireland.

The State still pays for the funerals of those who cannot afford them; in 2022, €6 million was paid out to those in need but last year it had increased to €9 million.

In 2018, then-Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty estimated it would cost €24.53 million if the grant was reinstated at a cost of €850 per family.

“The old bereavement grant was stopped and that fund I think has been more carefully targeted towards those who need it most,” Mr Nichols said.

“There are people who have no means and this is where the State will sometimes provide a considerable amount for families in that situation.

“Obviously, it means tested and usually there is an ongoing social welfare need for that family.”

In 2022, there were 35,477 deaths registered in Ireland.

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Main image: A Catholic funeral ceremony. Image: agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo