Portadown Ulster Unionist Councillor Julie Flaherty, has welcomed the announcement by the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, that the Child Funeral Fund is operational in Northern Ireland from today, June 1st 2022.

Councillor Julie Flaherty, who has been tirelessly campaigning for the Child Funeral Fund to be established in Northern Ireland since 2018, said:

“I’ve been very frustrated at times; I’ve been very impatient at times, and I’ve been so very angry at times. But I always knew that this was a good thing to do, the right thing to do and the compassionate thing to do. This has been a long, emotional road but I have been so encouraged along the way by the support I have received on a matter that has great personal resonance for me.

“By understanding how important this was to me, and many others, I am so proud that my Council - Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon – was able to set the marker for other councils…and we did. Other councils did swiftly follow suit and today the Minister has delivered. I must also praise the  dedicated group of civil servants and officials who worked wonderfully to see this delivered for grieving parents.

“This is not an orange or green issue nor is it a party political issue. The Child Funeral Fund will be there to help people of all creeds and classes.  

“It is however still a very difficult day in many ways. I know that the implementation of this measure will mean that a family is going through the most devastating, life changing experience they will ever face.

“I hope that the experience we had with our son Jake has shaped this in some way, and the Child Funeral Fund will be a welcome comfort to any parent who will unfortunately need to avail of this in the future.”