Thanks for your contribution Katja. I delivered Bouncer Senior home to Ireland on Sunday without incident (other than an aborted landing due to high winds at ORK and the resultant diversion to SNN).

For anyone in a similar position, ashes can be carried as hand luggage - the following steps need to be taken:

1. Inform carrier of the nature of the package.

2. Obtain the relevant documentation:
Death Certificate
Cremation Certificate
Written statement from undertaker, confirming contents of urn.

3. Ensure the ashes are correctly packed. The urn must be non-metal and encased in a non-metallic outer container, clearly marked "Human Ashes", and the name of the deceased.

4. Inform security agents at airport and present the above documents. The package will be x-rayed but not opened.

5. Declare to customs officials on arrival, the nature of the package.

Ashes may also be carried in checked baggage, but I would strongly recommend against this, due to the risk of loss or damage.

For the record, I travelled with BA from SIN to LHR, connecting with EI to ORK (SNN).