A last-ditch attempt to save the traditional Irish wake and funeral has been mounted by Fianna Fáil MEP Brian Crowley, who is exploring ways to delay the implementation of a Brussels directive that would alter our timehonoured burial customs.
Open coffins and viewing of the deceased are a traditional feature of Irish wakes and funerals, but these are under threat from EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas, who wants chemicals used by embalmers withdrawn under a new biocides directive
In a letter circulated to politicians last month, the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) said the directive would change completely the way embalmers prepare the deceased for viewing and burial.
"Viewing the deceased is part of Irish culture, and it is recognised that such practice is an important part of bringing closure to bereavement, and ample evidence from psychologists exists to back this up," the undertakers said.
The Department of Agriculture, which has the authority to apply for a derogation, has stated that it would be happy to meet with the IAFD "to discuss the issues arising and decide on what action is appropriate".
It is understood that, following Mr Crowley's intervention, a meeting along these lines will take place in Dublin on April 27th, where the department will discuss the matter with the IAFD and Irish members of the British Institute of Embalmers.
The directive aims to withdraw certain agents, such as formaldehyde, which are capable of destroying living organisms, and this would take effect on September 1st. Formaldehyde is a key element in embalming.
Mr Crowley, who represents the constituency of Ireland South, said in Strasbourg yesterday that undertakers may still have a chance of obtaining a derogation.
"From my reading of the regulation the embalmers may argue a requirement of derogation on the grounds of protection of cultural heritage, or by proving it is critical to the functioning of society and/or that there are no alternatives," he said.