A pensioner was forced to pay a "colossal" electricity bill instead of purchasing a headstone for her late husband's grave. The scenario was explained in the Irish Parliament by member Sorca Clarke.
She said: "She received an electricity bill for 760 Euro, a colossal amount of money that she simply cannot afford. She applied for an additional needs payments to help cover the cost. Shockingly she was refused support.
"Why? Because she has a small amount put away from her pension over the last year saved for a headstone for her late husband's grave. Because of that refusal for help, she was forced to spend the money on the electricity bill instead of the headstone."
