John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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790. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will examine the introduction of regulations that govern both crematoria and the undertaking business; and his views on the case of persons (details supplied). [9687/25]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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791. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an inspection regime and agreed inspection protocols in relation to the operation of crematoria in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9697/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 790 and 791 together.

My Department has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to local authority burial grounds while the actual operation of burial grounds is the responsibility of the local authority concerned.

Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional areas.

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 and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments thereto. Local authorities also have powers to make bye-laws in relation to burial grounds.

In relation to the Deputy's specific query, there are currently no plans to introduce new regulations in this area.

In the context of Funeral Directors and Crematoria, I understand there are professional bodies for these activities with their own codes and standards, but my Department has no role in this regard.

In general, with regard to Crematoria, the establishment and operation of any such activity is subject, where applicable, to the provisions of legislation dealing with planning and development, environmental protection and air pollution.