asked the Minister for Health if he will consider establishing a stillbirths register.
Written Answers. - Perinatal Death Statistics.
26.
It is important that accurate demographic and medical information is available in relation to all perinatal deaths whether these deaths occur prior to or shortly after delivery. In that context, the perinatal reporting system was established by my Department with the dual purpose of registering all live births and notifying and providing statistical information on all perinatal deaths. The recommendations of the World Health Organisation (1975) were followed in setting up the notification system. I am satisfied that the current system is achieving effective coverage in relation to stillbirths, but in the light of the Deputy's question I will communicate with the Central Statistics Office about the matter.