Grieving dad was quizzed about Social Protection benefit in 'accusing tone' after son's death

Michael Power and Maggie Butler have now welcomed changes to staff training following a complaint about the way they were treated after Alex's death

Michael Power and Maggie Butler with a photo of Alex, 14, in his room at their home in Killenaule, Co Tipperary. They cared for him until his death in October last year. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Bereaved parents of a boy who required round-the-clock support for his disabilities lodged a complaint with the Department of Social Protection over how they were treated after his death — a move that has prompted changes to staff training.

The Tipperary couple are now urging the Government to urgently address gaps in supports for carers that became starkly evident during the covid pandemic.