Please refer to the full text of the highlighted points related to the following summary points.
1 Profile of Hinduism in Ireland:
Census 2006 indicates that the number of Hindus increased significantly between 2002 and 2006. The main community is of Indian ethnic origin from India, other parts of Asia and South Africa. There are also ethnic Irish Hindu followers. (Fulltext of Essential Point 1 in Profile of Hinduism in Ireland)
2 Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine:
Some Hindus may follow the traditional Hindu system of medicine known as Ayurveda. Check if the person is taking herbal remedies and determine if the content conflicts with any prescribed medication. (Fulltext of Essential Point 2 in Beliefs about the treatment of illness and Traditional Medicine)
3 Religious contacts:
Presently there are no Hindu priests in Ireland who can lead religious practices. Source the name of a family or community contact who can attend to traditional rituals, particularly in relation to death. Three Hindu community representatives have agreed to be available to provide religious services if necessary, their names are provided at the end of the section. (Fulltext of Essential Point 3 in Religious contacts)
4 Food and the content of medicine:
For religious and cultural reasons food requirements need to be discussed with the person and provision made to source culturally appropriate food. (Fulltext of Essential Point 4 in Food and the content of medicine)
5 Family dynamics, decision making and community visits:
Commonly, people of Indian ethnicity consult family members and women consult their husbands about medical decisions. Some families may expect to be automatically involved in decision making. (Fulltext of Essential Point 5 in Family dynamics, decision making and community visits)
6 Death-related religious rituals:
Hinduism subscribes to a belief in the cycle of life, death and reincarnation. Death is a significant event, potentially signalling liberation from this cycle, and hence there are particular rituals involved in preparing for death. Where family are unavailable, one of the contacts listed at the end of the section has indicated willingness to attend to the traditional death rituals and can be contacted for this purpose. They may also be contacted if the person has died without receiving traditional rituals. (Fulltext of Essential Point 6 in Death-related religious rituals)
7 Cleaning and touching the body:
Traditionally the family prepared the body according to customary practice. Where family is available check their preference. Where the person has no immediate family in Ireland contributors have indicated that it is appropriate for healthcare staff to clean and wash the body. (Fulltext of Essential Point 7 in Cleaning and touching the body)
8 Birth and initiation rituals:
Noting the exact time of a baby's birth is important as many Hindus consult their horoscope (placing of the planets, stars, etc., at the moment of birth) at various times throughout their lives. (Fulltext of Essential Point 8 in Birth and initiation rituals)
