Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 1

Written Answers. - Issue of Death Certificate.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

49 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health when a death certificate will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who died in 1995 in view of the fact that his widow is in severe financial hardship due to the delay. [7673/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): The administration of the registration system including the registration of deaths is statutorily a matter for the Ard-Chláraitheoir (Registrar-General) of Births, Deaths and Marriages and for local registrars who operate under his general direction.

The death referred to by the Deputy was the subject of communication between the relevant hospital in which the death occurred and the coroner. I understand that the coroner has now determined that a coroner's inquest is not required and arrangements have been made for the registration of the death with the relevant hospital acting as qualified informant. As more than 12 months have elapsed since the date of death, the authority of the Ard-Chláraitheoir is required and I have been assured that when the necessary papers are forwarded to his office by the hospital the application will be dealt with expeditiously. On receipt of this authority, the registrar for the district in which the death occurred will register the death and a death certificate will be available from the registrar.