Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
1041. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to introducing a stand-alone amending Bill to provide for the necessary technical amendments of Part 9 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. [54071/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1057. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she plans to commence Part 9 of the Children and Families Relationships Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54225/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1041 and 1057 together.
The Government has approved the preparation of the Civil Registration Bill 2019, which will provide for the necessary technical amendments to Part 9 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.
The Bill will also include provisions for:
- a role for a next of kin in providing a Coroner with additional details in relation to a deceased person’s particulars;
- sharing of General Register Office data and records with a body such as the National Library or National Archives; and
- collection of additional details in respect of deceased persons in order that the CSO can comply with obligations under EU Regulations.
The Bill will be brought forward as a matter of priority.
Commencement of the amendments to Part 9 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 is also dependent on commencement of Parts 2 and 3 of the 2015 Act, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Health. There are important administrative and operational arrangements to be put in place to facilitate the implementation of Parts 2 and 3, including the establishment of the National Donor-Conceived Person Register and the appointment of authorised persons under the Act. I understand that it is the Minister for Health's intention that these provisions will be commenced as soon as possible.
Officials from my Department are working with the General Register Office and the Department of Health to ensure that the appropriate legislative, regulatory, and operational mechanisms are in place to allow for the earliest possible commencement of all of the relevant legislation that will allow for birth registrations of donor-conceived children.
