Question 1

HOW DO BIODEGRADABLE CASKETS MINIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

Accepted Answer

Biodegradable caskets are designed to have the least possible negative  effect on the environment. Made from natural, ethically sourced  materials, these coffins decompose naturally into the earth, leaving no  harmful residue behind.

Question 2

DOES RAMON MASSEY PROVIDE ECO-COFFINS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide an extensive range of eco-coffins and biodegradable caskets.

Question 3

WHAT IS THE COST OF A FUNERAL?

Accepted Answer

It is our policy to make the family aware of the costs of their chosen  arrangements and to provide a written estimate of costs at the time of  making the arrangements. Each funeral is individually tailored to meet  precise requirements. Our charges will be tailored to suit individual  needs and budget.

Question 4

WHEN A DEATH OCCURS WHO SHOULD WE CONTACT FIRST?

Accepted Answer

As funeral directors it is best to contact us first. We will make all of  the arrangements on your behalf, liaising with the hospital or doctor,  the Church, the newspapers, the cemetery or crematorium.

Question 5

WHO SHOULD I INFORM IF SOMEONE PASSES AWAY AT HOME?

Accepted Answer

If the death was unexpected, the GP  should be contacted first and may advise that the family contact the  local Garda Station, as the Gardai may wish to contact the Coroner.
If  the death was expected, the deceased will have been attended to by  their GP who should be contacted first as they will be required to visit  the home to confirm that the death has occurred. The funeral director  can then be called but cannot proceed until the death has been confirmed  by the doctor.

Question 6

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE PASSES AWAY IN A HOSPITAL, HOSPICE OR NURSING HOME?

Accepted Answer

The doctor will be called to confirm that the death has occured. In most  cases a Post Mortem is not required and the family can contact their  funeral director who will liaise with the hospital or nursing home on  their behalf.

Question 7

WHAT IS A POST MORTEM?

Accepted Answer

A Post Mortem is necessary to establish the cause of death when the  deceased has not been attending a Doctor or where there is no history of  illness.

Question 8

CAN I OBJECT TO A POST MORTEM?

Accepted Answer

You cannot object to a Post Mortem if it has been ordered by the Coroner.

Question 9

IS CREMATION LESS EXPENSIVE THAN BURIAL?

Accepted Answer

Generally where the purchase of a new grave is required then cremation  will be cheaper, however, in the case of a re-opening of an existing  grave the difference in price is marginal.

Question 10

HOW DO WE APPLY FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Accepted Answer

If a death takes place at home; the  attending Doctor will issue a Death Notification Form which you bring to  the register of Births Deaths and Marriages at Joyce House, Lombard  Street in Dublin or Monread Road, Naas in Kildare.
If a death  takes place in Hospital or similar institution the hospital will issue a  Death Notification Form which you bring to the registrar of Births  Deaths and Marriages at Joyce House, Lombard Street in Dublin or Monread  Road, Naas in Kildare. 
For more information please refer to our Death Certificate section.

Question 11

IS A DEATH CERTIFICATE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?

Accepted Answer

If the funeral is taking place in Ireland a death certificate is not required to make the funeral arrangements.

Question 12

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?

Accepted Answer

The person who has legal authority to make funeral arrangements is the  Executor (the person named in the will to administer the estate),  however, the responsibility can pass by agreement to the next of kin or a  friend of the family.

Question 13

DOES THE FAMILY PAY THE CHURCH, CEMETERY AND MUSICIANS FEES?

Accepted Answer

Usually these fees know as disbursements or third party expenses are  paid by the funeral director for the ease of the family on the day of  the funeral.

Question 14

IS EMBALMING ALWAYS NECESSARY?

Accepted Answer

Embalming is best practice and we recommend it in all cases to preserve  the dignity of the deceased and for the comfort of the bereaved family.  We have our own full time fully qualified embalmer which ensures a very  high standard of presentation of the deceased person.

Question 15

IS IT POSSIBLE TO DELAY THE FUNERAL FOR A PERIOD OF TIME?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to delay a funeral for a period of time with the use of  modern embalming techniques combined with the use of our modern  facilities.

Question 16

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES A MOURNING COACH OR LIMOUSINE CARRY?

Accepted Answer

Normally a mourning coach holds seven passengers, however, due to the  introduction of safety screens the current maximum number of passengers  is now six.

FAQ