asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the number of deaths that are unregistered in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unregistered Deaths.
5.
I am aware that a number of deaths are not registered. Steps have been taken to identify where and to what extent this lapse in registration occurs and to tighten up the procedure for ensuring that all deaths are registered. An important development has been the appointment in every health board area of a wholetime Superintendent Registrar who has a special responsibility for the registration of all deaths which take place within that area.
The Parliamentary Secretary appreciates that it is very unsatisfactory to die without even having the consolation of being registered.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise the seriousness of the situation? Someone could be buried without any investigation at all if no death certificate is required. A certificate for burial is obligatory, as far as I know, in every other European country. Will the Parliamentary Secretary take some precautions in this matter?
I am glad the Deputy has asked that question because, in reply to another question on the subject about 12 months ago, I said superintendent registrars were being appointed. They have since been appointed and the situation is now in hand.