Embalming products not banned

Chemical products used by funeral home directors for embalming will not be taken off the market until at least 2010.

There were concerns that a planned move to withdraw these products immediately would lead to the end of the Irish tradition of open caskets at wakes and funeral homes.

European Commission spokesperson Martin Territt said these fears can now be allayed.

"There will be no interference with funeral director's practices up to 2010 unless of course they want to use alternative products which are coming on the market gradually."