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Registration of Deaths

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Questions (621, 623)

Holly Cairns

Question:

621. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to amend the legislation concerning the stillbirth register to enable bereaved parents opt out of the privacy requirement if they so wish. [53370/21]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

623. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to amend the legislation to enable bereaved parents whose pre-born child died before 24 weeks' gestation or who weighed below 500g be registered and issued with a death certificate. [53372/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 623 together.

The General Register Office (GRO) is currently undertaking an examination of the current registration provisions for Stillbirths. This examination is seeking to establish what changes, if any, are required with respect to the current criteria; to consider the voluntary or mandatory nature of registration; to consider the issue of access to the register, including the matters referenced in the questions; and to consider what provision, if any, can be made for registration where the current criteria do not apply.

I am advised that the GRO hope to in a position to consult with a range of advocacy groups and others with an interest in these matters before the end of the year with a view to making proposals to me early next year.

I am acutely aware of the arguments for the need to update the current registration framework to align with both evolving medical and international practice and I am also very conscious of the balance that will have to be struck arising from the keen sensitivities that attach to legislating in this area, I am sure the Deputy appreciates these sensitivities and I would welcome her input to the consultation by the GRO.

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