asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that there is an increasing traffic in copies of birth certificates in connection with social services and employment; that the present certificate copy gives rise to very serious abuse as it contains information unnecessary for purposes for which it is required; that, in particular, illegitimate persons suffer pain and humiliation in having to disclose their disability to persons who have no right to the information, and often are handicapped thereby in obtaining business positions; that a much reduced form of certificate, confining itself to age and any other particular deemed necessary, is required; and whether he will consult with social organisations on this matter, and sympathetically examine the additional powers necessary for the Registrar-General to issue copy certificates of practical value, and at less administrative expense.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birth Certificates.
An entry of birth contains only the minimum particulars necessary for the identification of the person to whom it relates. Any abridgment of the entry or of a certified copy thereof would materially reduce its value as a document of record and in the case of persons bearing the same names and surnames it is obvious that an abridgment of the form of entry or an abridgment of the form of certified copy of an entry might give rise to serious abuses. While I cannot therefore hold out hope of an amendment of the law of registration in the manner suggested by the Deputy, any representations which social welfare organisations may desire to submit will be very carefully considered.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not open up some negotiations with social organisations which might be able to advise him on the matter?
It is open to any social organisation that is interested in the matter to convey their views to the Minister.