Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
356. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if there has been any progress in the consideration being given to the introduction of a shortened version of a death certificate, omitting the cause of death when the death is death by suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31009/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware that where a death occurs in tragic circumstances that the cause of death registered on the death certificate can cause distress to loved ones.
In this regard, I will shortly introduce, by regulation, a short form death certificate that will omit the cause of death.
Currently, under sections 41 and 42 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 a coroner or a medical practitioner provides the required particulars of a death, including cause of death, in order that the death can be registered in the register of deaths. The death certificate is a copy of an entry in the register and must include the details as laid out in that entry including cause of death.
Drafting of the regulations to allow for the omission of the cause of death from a death certificate is at an advanced stage.
I hope that this will provide some comfort to families where the details of the cause of death registered are upsetting.
