asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that many deaths in Ireland are neither certified nor registered, he will state the proposals, if any, his Department have for ensuring that death certificates must be issued prior to the burial of a person.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death Certificates.
72.
The incidence of uncertified deaths is falling steadily and in 1970 represented 1.5 per cent of all deaths registered. It is hoped that this progress will be maintained.
An associated problem is the failure to register deaths. A reorganisation of local registration services which is in course of implementation will include the appointment of a full-time superintendent registrar for each health board area. The duties of these officers will include liaison with clergy, undertakers and any other persons associated with burials. This development should, it is hoped, go a long way towards the elimination of unregistered and uncertified deaths. If the results are not entirely satisfactory a further review of the matter will be undertaken.
Consideration was given to the possibility of requiring death certificates to be issued before burials could take place. Such a measure would need the most elaborate administrative arrangements which would be justified only if the steps which I have outlined prove to be ineffective.