A compromise has been reached which will allow the body of Raphoe cattle dealer Ritchie Barron to be buried in its entirety shortly after the Morris tribunal resumes its deliberations in September.
Earlier this week, the Barron family was said to be "devastated" following the refusal of the State pathologist's office to release Mr Barron's skull, which had been retained for forensic purposes during the current module of the tribunal investigating his death.
The family had been told at the concluding hearing last Friday that they were free to reinter his complete body.
It was Mr Barron's death that gave rise to the tribunal. His body was discovered on a roadway outside his native town nearly seven years ago. Mystery still surrounds how he died.
A spokesman for the tribunal said on Wednesday they had reached an agreement with the coroner, Gortahork-based solicitor Mr Sean Cannon, that would resolve the matter.
He said Mr Cannon was prepared to issue a direction to the undertaker employed by the Barron family that he was to retain Mr Barron's skull above ground pending the determination of the current module which was dealing with Mr Barron's death.
This now means the Barron family will have the custody of the remains rather than the State pathologist, Prof John Harbison.
Prof Harbison was due to give evidence at the tribunal in Donegal town just over two weeks ago.
However, due to the sudden passing of Mr Eamonn Leahy SC, a barrister involved in the hearings, the tribunal was adjourned until September.
As a result of what has happened over the past three days, the tribunal is going to take Prof Harbison's evidence first, probably on September 22nd or 23rd.
It is anticipated that unless there are complications relating to evidence, Mr Barron's body will be reintered shortly after.