Rip.ie survey reveals while nearly two-thirds of the 3,387 surveyed said they believed in heaven, and 16 per cent believed in hell, a further 12 per cent said they believed in ghosts

Chloe McGee's mass led by Monsignor Shane McCaughey, has taken place at St Joseph’s Church, also attended by President Catherine Connolly.

The health services said they sometimes paid costs for people who were in long-stay care before being transferred to an acute hospital in their last days.

A new digital platform has been set up to offer support and advice to families on the practical things that need to be taken care of after a funeral.

The main reasons cited for the change are the impact on regular Sunday Mass-goers, who may feel a funeral is being added to or overshadowing the normal liturgy.