1 Profile of people without religious belief in Ireland:

The second largest response to the question on religion in Census 2006 was No Religion. This and other data indicate that there are a considerable number of people without religious belief in Ireland. People without religious belief may describe themselves as Agnostic, Atheist, Humanist or indicate that they have No Religion. (Fulltext of Essential Point 1in Profile of people without religious belief in Ireland)

2 Personal contacts and death-related practices:

Source the name of a personal contact that can be called upon to support the person in times of critical need and who can give guidance to the healthcare setting on appropriate practice for the person. (Fulltext of Essential Point 2 in Personal contacts and death-related practices)

3 Family dynamics and decision making:

The wishes of the person must be respected in situations where family are not aware of the absence of religious belief. (Fulltext of Essential Point 3 in Family dynamics and decision making)

4 Cleaning and touching the body:

The normal washing and preparation procedure can be carried out. (Fulltext of Essential Point 4 in Cleaning and touching the body)

5 Religious icons and symbols:

It is not appropriate to use icons from Christian or other traditions in the mortuary. (Fulltext of Essential Point 5 in Religious icons and symbols)

6 Initiation ritual:

There is no initiation ritual among these traditions and baptism of newborns in imminent danger of death is not appropriate. (Fulltext of Essential Point 6 in Initiation ritual)