Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Sep 1996

Vol. 469 No. 1

Written Answers. - Delay in Issuing Birth Certificate.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

255 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the issue of a birth certificate in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will ensure that the matter is expedited. [16838/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The administration of the registration system is a matter for the Registrar General of Births and Deaths and for local registrars who operate under his general direction.

I am informed by the Registrar General that an application for his authority to the re-registration of the birth, to include paternity details, referred to by the Deputy was originally received by his office on 14 May 1996. The documentation furnished by the applicant was not complete and it was necessary for his office to write to the persons concerned seeking clarification. I understand that the necessary authorisation was issued to the registrar on 26 August 1996 for the re-registration of the birth on the joint signatures of both parents and that the attendance of the parents to sign the register containing the new entry has been requested. It has been ascertained — on 24 September 1996 — that the parents have not as yet attended at the office of the registrar to sign the entry in the register of births and that reminders have been issued to the parents. Once the new entry has been signed by the parents a certified copy of the entry will be available from the registrar.