Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)

I commend my colleague, Deputy Broughan, for bringing the Bill before the House. I wholeheartedly agree with the comments of Deputy Humphreys. All areas of social and economic life require democratic and transparent regulation. We know more acutely in this country than perhaps anywhere else in the world what happens when areas of life are not regulated properly. The people we represent deal with that reality every single day of their lives.

Death is an issue that affects every family and is a very sensitive area. Aspects of it, if required, should be regulated through legislation. Bereaved loved ones are entitled to the utmost dignity and respect regardless of income, social class or geographic location. This Bill can give society confidence that the Oireachtas is cognisant of that fact. As has been said, cremation is on the rise in Ireland with figures indicating about 6% of those who pass away are cremated. It is clear that cremations will continue to increase as time goes by, which is why there is an urgent need for regulation. Therefore, it is vital that citizens have confidence that the State is aware that as life is changing and the life cycle develops the State and Oireachtas are able to legislate and respond. I welcome the fact that the Bill includes a self-financing mechanism for the new agency. There is nothing wrong with establishing agencies to regulate areas of life provided they are required and appropriate. In this situation that may well be the case.

Those working with the bereaved should welcome the Bill as it puts clear standards and expectations in place. Like many aspects of local development, this area shows the need for proper planning and development. As a former member of Fingal County Council I share the acknowledgement by Deputy Broughan of the work done by Deputy Coyle and all the other Labour Party councillors on Fingal County Council. In my area the need to identify areas for new graveyards is crucial and it is vital that the local authority responds to that need.

In terms of the need for good planning, I would like to put on the record of the House the outstanding work done on the north side of Dublin by my colleagues the Minister, Deputy Burton, and former Deputy Seán Ryan who was ably succeeded by Deputy Brendan Ryan, who championed the need for proper planning and sustainable development, often in the face of criticism from developers and, in particular, elements within the Fianna Fáil Party who have not championed good planning and sustainable development over the years.

I commend this excellent Bill and hope, as Deputy Humphreys said, that if for technical reasons it cannot be accepted today, the issue will come before the House again and we can ensure there is proper regulation of cremation. It is in the interests of already excellent providers to ensure there is best practice in the country.

See this speech in context