Insurance risk raised over serving of funeral sandwiches at parish hall in Kilkenny

An insurance doubt over the practice of serving teas and refreshments in the parish hall in Bennettsbridge after funerals has recently arisen.

While there is insurance cover under the parish policy for such activity, the insurance company is insisting that for effective insurance cover, refreshments must be served under greater health and hygiene regulations.

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Responsibility for the provision of food is central to this, which is very pertinent in the case of a claim of food poisoning.

The parish carries the ultimate responsibility so on a funeral day it would be necessary for a responsible person to be there to oversee arrangements.

The Community Centre Committee with Fr Dalton have had several meetings discussing ways to proceed. At a recent meeting the following options were agreed:

1) The Community Hall is available for refreshments after funerals with a recognised caterer being hired by the bereaved family to cater for the food and its service.

2) The hall could be available for refreshments after funerals where the sandwiches are made and delivered by one who has a food licence for sandwich making and packing.

For this to work the Community Hall committee would need to have a person in charge on the day to oversee that all the regulations in relation to health and hygiene were being adhered to.

Discussions are ongoing in relation to this matter. Anyone interested in helping out in this regard can contact Ann Marie Mahon, tel 086-3732338 or Paula Nolan, 087-2222122.