asked the Minister for the Environment if there is any obligation on a planning authority to refuse to grant planning permission for residential development within a specified distance from a cemetery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In dealing with planning applications planning authorities are restricted to considering the proper planning and development of the area of the authority (including the preservation and improvement of the amenities thereof), regard being had to the provisions of the development plan. Proposals for residential development in the vicinity of cemeteries would fall to be considered in this manner.