asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists in the Ballyvourney district because of the indiscriminate rejection of applications for the right of interment in St. Gobnait's burial grounds, and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to terminate this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Burial Rights.
When a burial ground is closed to further interments on grounds of public health and decency, it is the practice to refuse exemption to any person claiming right of interment who is not either——
(a) a widow or widower whose late partner in marriage is already interred there;
(b) a single person of advanced age who is the sole surviving member of his or her family.
If it appears that adequate space will be available in the grave, persons within these categories may be exempted from the terms of the Closing Order. I consider this a most reasonable approach and in applying it to St. Gobnait's the most lenient interpretation possible has been adopted. Since the closure 52 persons in the special categories have been refused exemption. A further 88 claims were allowed because soundings of the graves indicated that the depth available was sufficient. The total number of exemptions is now 111 and although this is abnormally large any further claims on the basis indicated will be sympathetically considered.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in view of the reverence and the traditional veneration in which St. Gobnait's cemetery is held by local people, I would suggest that he should consider implementing proposals for legislation to waive this Closing Order. No good has been served by introducing that Closing Order and I would ask the Minister if he intends to take any further steps on the lines I suggest?
Closing Orders are made on the grounds of public health and decency and so long as it is proved that on those grounds an Order should be made, and I am satisfied that it was on those grounds the Order was made, I cannot intervene, but I am prepared to consider additional applications which the Deputy, or any other Deputy or any other person, may make in this connection.
Is the Minister aware that he has rejected applications from several elderly people, many over 80 years of age, during the past few months?
And allowed 111.
As this is a very important question and cannot be adequately dealt with at this stage, I propose, with your permission. Sir, to raise it on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.