Opposition Member of Parliament Teariki Heather has raised concerns about the funding allocated to families for funeral assistance.

Heather said a lot of Cook Islanders returning to the country from Australia and New Zealand claim they are not being looked after.

He said that, according to the Appropriation Bill, individuals over the age of 60 are eligible for a funeral assistance fund of $2400. Heather asked if there were plans to increase this allowance.

Minister for Internal Affairs Rose Toki-Brown said the Ministry has looked into the matter on how families could be supported.

Toki-Brown said the issue has been considered but the Ministry does not have enough funds to cater those who need the assistance.

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Opposition MP Vaitoti Tupa asked the Minister responsible for Punanga Nui Market, George “Maggie” Angene, about allegations concerning developments at the market.

MP Tupa referring to a “Smoke signal” published in the Cook Islands News on Monday June 16 asked, “Are the project intended for the 60th celebration or for the Minister’s personal recognition.”

Angene said he created a flower garden and roped it off to protect it, but people still trespass and damage it.

He said the project also helps keep children safe, preventing them from running into the road.

Angene added that the effort was not done for any special occasion but to stop people from crossing through the garden.

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Opposition leader Tina Browne, in a separate question, asked Minister Angene how many mattresses will the Ministry of Cultural Development provide for the Rakahanga delegation attending the upcoming 60^th celebrations.

Angene said the question should have been directed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, as they were best placed to respond.

He said if the task was under the Ministry of Cultural Development, he would confirm that they could handle it.

The Minister added that he had spoken to the Secretary for Cultural Development about the mattresses for Rakahanga from New Zealand and was informed that they were on the way.

• Losirene Lacanivalu