Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce regulations for burials here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23655/12]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 336: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to regulate crematoriums in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23656/12]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Ireland is adhering to current EU regulations on emissions from crematoriums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23657/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 to 337, inclusive, together.

Regulations are currently in place regarding burials and burial grounds, namely Part III of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, as amended in Part VI of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 and more recently, the Local Government Acts, 1994 and 2001, and also in the Rules & Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments thereto.

Having regard to other priorities and the broader range of legislative priorities to be progressed across my Department's remit, there are currently no plans to introduce new regulations in this area, or new legislation to regulate crematoria in Ireland.

My Department is not aware of any EU Directive on crematoria, nor are there specific provisions in the Air Pollution Act 1987 that apply to crematoria. However, the establishment and operation of a crematorium is subject, where applicable, to the provisions of certain other legislation dealing with planning and development, environmental protection and air pollution.