Robert Dowds
Ceist:335 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce regulations for burials here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23655/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 May 2012
Ceisteanna (255, 256, 257)
Robert Dowds
Ceist:336 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to regulate crematoriums in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23656/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Dowds
Ceist:337 Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Ireland is adhering to current EU regulations on emissions from crematoriums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23657/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 to 337, inclusive, together.
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.
Having regard to other priorities and the broader range of legislative priorities to be progressed across my Department's remit, there are currently no plans to introduce new regulations in this area, or new legislation to regulate crematoria in Ireland.
My Department is not aware of any EU Directive on crematoria, nor are there specific provisions in the Air Pollution Act 1987 that apply to crematoria. However, the establishment and operation of a crematorium is subject, where applicable, to the provisions of certain other legislation dealing with planning and development, environmental protection and air pollution.