NEW measures relating to the provision of burial plots, headstones and headstone foundations are to be introduced following an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by Glasnevin Trust.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) carried out the investigation following a complaint in relation to alleged anti-competitive practices by Glasnevin Trust.
It was alleged that the Trust was engaging in practices designed to put competing headstone providers at a competitive disadvantage.
The CCPC found that there appeared to be a lack of transparency for consumers in terms of the final cost of burial services. Many bereaved families only erect a headstone months after a burial and some were surprised to find a separate foundation fee was payable, in addition to the funeral director’s fee, the cost of the burial plot and the headstone. It was also alleged that Glasnevin Trust was waiving, or reducing, this foundation fee if the consumer opted to purchase the headstone from Glasnevin Trust’s subsidiary company.
“Funeral-related services are, by their nature, purchases that consumers have to make in the most difficult and stressful circumstances,
? a spokesperson for CCPC said.
“In this situation, they are often unclear about exactly what they need to do and depend on a service provider, such as a funeral director or provider of cemetery services, to guide them through the process.
“As such, it is a sector in which transparency and compliance with competition and consumer protection law are of paramount importance.
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Glasnevin Trust co-operated with the investigation and has agreed to implement a number of remedial measures to mitigate anti-competitive practices and ensure increased transparency.
These include making prices more transparent to consumers, making it easier for consumers to find a price list for burial plots and foundation fees on the Glasnevin Trust website and its offices.
The Trust has also agreed to inform consumers explicitly that foundation fees are not included in the purchase price of a burial plot and will also provide flexibility to consumers in terms of when these fees are payable.
Measures are also being taken to ensure that funeral directors inform consumers of the separate cost of the foundation fee.
Before applying for burial services in Glasnevin Trust cemeteries, funeral directors are required to confirm that they have informed consumers of the foundation cost.
Glasnevin Trust has also agreed to treat competing headstone providers in a non-discriminatory manner in terms of waiting times for permits and foundations, access to cemeteries and regulatory requirements.
The Trust will allow competing headstone providers to advertise in its promotional brochures, subject to the payment of the same fees payable by its subsidiary company, GCMW.
A spokesperson for Glasnevin Trust said:
“Glasnevin Trust welcomes the Commission’s recommendations, as they set best practice for the funeral industry.The Trust, as one of the largest providers of burial services in Ireland, is happy to implement the recommendations and looks forward to their implementation at other cemeteries across the country.
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The Trust said its policy of charging separate foundation fees for graves was in line with industry practice but that it was happy to implement the Commission’s recommendation
“to ensure this is highlighted to the public, as well as providing a degree of flexibility as to when these costs need to be paid.
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