asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will consider the advisability of taking such action as will ensure the proper caring of graveyards under the control of the public health local authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Graveyards.
The question of the proper maintenance of burial grounds under the control of local authorities has received much attention in recent years and in circular letters issued on 30th September, 1931, 2nd October, 1934, 7th October, 1935, and 18th June, 1936, these authorities have been urged to take steps to ensure that all burial grounds vested in them are maintained in a decent and seemly condition.
Will the Minister insist that these regulations be adhered to? Is he aware that in most cases throughout the country they have not been adhered to.
I know that there are many cases in which graveyards are not in the condition they should be and out inspectors do call the attention of local authorities to these matters. It has been the custom of inspectors of the Department to do that, but we cannot insist on their recommendations being carried out.