2007. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) regarding correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56774/26]

My sincere condolences to the person concerned and their family on their recent bereavement.

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.

Under the SWA scheme, my department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income or household and personal resources. This support is intended to assist with once-off or exceptional expenses that a person is unable to meet from their normal weekly income. ANPs are administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the need presenting.

According to the records of my Department, the person applied for an ANP for assistance towards the cost of a headstone. This claim was disallowed and a letter advising the person concerned of this outcome and offering them the opportunity to seek a review issued to them in writing on 15/12/2025.

Determinations made in relation to claims made under Sections 200, 201 and 202 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, namely allowances-in-kind, Exceptional Needs Payments and Urgent Needs Payments, can be reviewed by a SWA Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act.

A SWA Review Officer subsequently reviewed this claim and considering all the circumstances of the case, upheld the DP decision. The Review Officer determined that financial assistance towards headstones is not deemed urgent or essential and therefore, does not fall under the remit of SWA. A letter advising the person concerned of this outcome issued to them in writing on 30/12/2025.

I note that the person concerned was assisted with the expenses associated with the funeral and burial arrangements for the deceased in a separate ANP. While I appreciate the tragic circumstances for the bereaved, the specific purpose of an ANP is to assist with immediate and essential expenses in situations of exceptional or urgent need. It is only intended to provide once-off short-term assistance where no other options are available. Assistance towards headstones is not deemed urgent or essential in nature and therefore, does not fall under the remit of SWA.

I trust this clarifies the matter and I apologise that this is not a more favourable outcome for the person concerned.