asked the Minister for Health if, with a view to eliminating all risks from AIDS at wakes and funeral removals, he will arrange for regulations to provide for the registration of undertakers, mortuaries and funeral homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Elimination of Risk from AIDS.
149.
The World Health Organisation have monitored the methods in which the HIV virus is transmitted and have indicated that there is no evidence that the infection is transmitted by casual contact, such as would occur at wakes and funeral removals. If the relations of a person who dies from AIDS require advice regarding a wake or funeral arrangements, they should contact the local director of community care and medical officer of health.
As regards the possible occupational hazards associated with AIDS, officials of my Department have met with representatives of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union and the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to discuss the handling of victims of infectious diseases and, in particular, AIDS. My Department subsequently wrote to these organisations outlining the simple precatutions necessary to eliminate the minimal occupational risk to staff from HIV infection, while at the same time taking due regard of the feelings of the family of the deceased.
I am happy that the above represents what is appropriate in situations such as this and see no need for regulations to provide for the registration of undertakers, mortuaries and funeral homes.