A judge has ordered a psychiatric assessment to be carried out as soon as possible on a Co Donegal man charged with the murders of his parents.

Jimmy and Kathleen Cuddihy, who were in their 70s, were found dead in their home just outside Carndonagh on Thursday October 23rd.

Julian Cuddihy (42) appeared at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court today.

In court, Mr Cuddihy's solicitor said that the psychological assessment of his client - which had been ordered at a previous sitting - had not yet taken place because Castlerea Prison does not have the facilities to carry out such an assessment.

The judge insisted the assessment was needed "as soon as possible".

Mr Cuddihy was remanded in custody.

His parents were laid to rest after a funeral mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Cardonagh yesterday.