TWO senior Stormont health officials are being asked to attend the next executive meeting to give their input on whether cemeteries should be reopened.
Ministers met yesterday and agreed to invite chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride and chief scientific officer Prof Ian Young to their next meeting.
The next executive meeting is expected to take place tomorrow, The Irish News understands.
It is hoped the senior officials can advise ministers on what impact, if any, reopening graveyards could have on managing the coronavirus pandemic.
Graveyards were closed in the north last month as part of lockdown restrictions, with the executive holding the legal power on when they can reopen.
Stormont parties are divided over calls to reopen them.
The DUP and UUP support the move on a controlled basis, while Sinn Féin and Alliance remain opposed.
The SDLP had sought advice from health officials. Colum Eastwood wrote to health minister Robin Swann requesting the latest medical and scientific advice from the chief medical officer and chief scientific officer.
Stormont's health department has previously said the coronavirus regulations are due to be reviewed before May 9.
Asked whether Dr McBride and Prof Young will attend the next executive meeting, the Department of Health yesterday said it would be for the Executive Office to comment on executive business.
The Executive Office did not respond to requests for a comment.
