NEW Vatican rules on cremation will be discussed by Irish bishops in December.
In a statement last night, the Catholic Church in Ireland said the Bishops' Conference "will consider this new instruction at its winter meeting" and any changes that are required.
The Vatican this week announced new guidelines on cremation stating that ashes should not be scattered, divided between relatives or kept at home.
The document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterates that burial is preferred, but lays out guidelines for conserving ashes for the increasing numbers of Catholics who choose cremation.
It said remains should be stored in a sacred, Church-approved place, such as a cemetery or columbarium.
The Irish Church last night said the new instructions "are norms which are to be adopted by the universal Church".
It added that the "instruction does not mean ashes will have to be stored in church buildings in Ireland, but it may mean over time the establishment of a columbarium in the grounds of cemeteries owned by Catholic parishes".
There are a number of columbariums in Belfast including at St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street.
The statement said: "The Bishops' Conference will consider this new instruction at its winter meeting in December and keep in view any new pastoral developments that may be required for the reverent laying to rest of ashes.
"In this regard, it will continue to uphold statutory requirements for the proper disposal of human remains.
"It will also include any changes that will have to be made in the next edition of the Order of Christian Funerals, the ritual book for funerals which is approved for use in the dioceses of Ireland."
