Budget reaction

Statement from Massey Bros. Funeral Directors in respect of the announcement that the Bereavement Grant is to be discontinuedManaging director of Massey Bros. Funeral Directors Freddie Maguire said that he was dismayed by today's announcement that the Bereavement Grant is to be discontinued in respect of deaths on or after 1 January 2014.  “More than 70% of the families we care for are eligible for the Bereavement Grant which contributes €850 towards the cost of a funeral for their loved one.  Families coming to terms with the death of a loved one are trying to cope with a range of emotional and practical issues and money is one of them.  Discontinuing the Bereavement Grant will only serve to add to their burden and is a cynical move given that those who were eligible only qualified because they had paid their PRSI contributions.”