I will also outline my sentiments regarding the actions of the USA in respect of the American-Mexican border. To hear the recording of small children crying and looking for their parents was horrific. I would like the House to write to the American Embassy and say this is not good enough and that we will not accept it. It was horrendous to hear the recording on ITV last night of little children crying looking for their parents.

On budget 2019, I welcome that the Minister has an extra €850 million spend next year. One issue that is raised with me on a regular basis is the complete removal of the bereavement grant. It is time to bring back the grant if we have a budget surplus. Some families struggle to pay funeral fees, with the average funeral now costing between €5,000 and €6,000. The grant to some people meant recognition by the State of a loved one. The grant was €800. If we cannot afford to bring it back in its entirety, €500 would be a start. We have a system in place at the moment which is being abused. The old way was fairer because everybody was recognised by the State. If people cannot pay in its entirety we will help them through the community welfare office and the social welfare office. We will be meeting the Minister this evening and I will be seeking to raise this issue. I do not see any reason that the bereavement grant cannot be restored in budget 2019.

I draw the attention of the House to the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Human Rights Council. The United States has a point when it suggests that many of those on the council, including its chair, are from countries that are notorious human rights abusers. It would be much better if the United States remained on the council and tried to reform from the inside. It is not unrelated that this comes at a time when the United States is barbarously mistreating parents and children along the Mexican border. The latter is extremely regrettable. It is notable that four First Ladies, including President Trump's wife, have criticised this measure. It is also significant that the US cites criticism of Israel as one of the reasons for its withdrawal. Criticism of Israel is perfectly appropriate. More sinisterly, the Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs and Public Diplomacy has issued a report that attacks organisations in this country such as Trócaire and suggests that they have ties to terror and to boycotts against Israel. The report says that directly and, indirectly, that said organisations are misusing money. Clearly, the Israeli Government is involved in a very aggressive policy to try to discredit NGOs who stand up for the human rights of the Palestinian people. It must be fought back against and denounced. This is all very much in step with the American Administration's decision to withhold funding from United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, earlier this year. It is all part of a diplomatic attempt by the Israelis to divert attention from the gross human rights abuses in which they are involved in Gaza.