Peter Barry
Question:469 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concern of parents of stillborn children that the births are registered and if he will urgently establish such a register.
Written Answers. - Birth Registration of Stillborn Children.
Unfortunately, the registration of stillbirths was not provided for in the original registration law which we have inherited from the last century, and it will require a change in primary legislation to achieve this. However my Department have just begun a comprehensive review of the entire code of registration legislation covering births, deaths and marriages. The object of the review, which is a major task of considerable complexity, will be to determine how registration procedures and structures devised in Victorian times can be modified to suit modern conditions and needs. I will ensure that the question of the registration of stillbirths is given sympathetic consideration within the context of the review.