Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2020
173. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if meetings to give personal and sensitive details in relation to the filing of a form for the registration of a death will be undertaken in a private, confidential setting on a one to one basis in a meeting room in each facility during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26074/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy relates to the registration of a death where a relative sought to register the death in person. Due to Covid-19 public health restrictions, public access to Civil Registration Offices is restricted. Temporary arrangements have been put in place to allow for the registration of births and deaths without having to attend in person before a registrar to submit the necessary paperwork and sign the register. The HSE, which has day-to-day operational responsibility for the Civil Registration Service, has put in place the necessary arrangements to enable deaths to be registered.
I understand that, in this case, the person registering the death was dissatisfied that the public office was closed and that the alternative arrangements were not satisfactory. Registration staff were able to facilitate the death registration in line with their protocols to adhere to Covid-19 public health restrictions.
It is regretted that the person registering the death was not satisfied with the service and I have brought this matter to the attention of the General Register Office and the local Civil Registration Service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
