asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that in certain cemeteries under the control of a local authority it is the practice for the various caretakers to request information from the relatives of the deceased at interments as to the cause of death, etc.; and if, in view of the fact that this type of question is entirely unnecessary since this information must be given to the Registrar of Deaths, and that such questions are painful to the relatives, he will issue an order to all local authorities to instruct their caretakers to cease this practice immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inquiries at Cemeteries.
38.
The practice to which the deputy refers arises from an obligation, under section 191 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, to furnish certain specified information to local registrars of deaths in respect of persons buried in a cemetery. The obligation to furnish information on cause of death appears to have been imposed as a public health measure. With improved controls on infectious diseases, this should no longer be necessary. I propose to look further into the matter without delay. If it is possible to dispense with the requirement without amending legislation, I shall do so, but if amending legislation is necessary, the Deputy will appreciate that I shall have to await a suitable opportunity.