Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 6

Written Answers. - Stillbirth Register.

Bernard Allen

Question:

268 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a stillbirth register in order that parents of stillborn babies would have their babies recognised by the State, especially in view of the fact that Ireland is the only State within the European Community which does not register such births or issue birth certificates, in spite of the fact that the Constitution states that it safeguards the life of all its citizens from the time of conception.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

This question has been referred to me for reply as I have now assumed responsibility for a comprehensive review of the legislation governing the registration of births, deaths and marriages.

As stated in the House on 10 February 1993 by my colleague the Minister for Health, the registration of stillbirths had not been provided for in the original legislation governing the registration of births which we have inherited from the last century, and it will now require a change in primary legislation to achieve this. Preliminary work on a comprehensive review of the entire code of registration legislation covering births, deaths and marriages has been undertaken by the Minister for Health but will now be taken over and carried out by my Department. 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.