Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 621 and 623 together.

The General Register Office (GRO) is currently undertaking an examination of the current registration provisions for Stillbirths. This examination is seeking to establish what changes, if any, are required with respect to the current criteria; to consider the voluntary or mandatory nature of registration; to consider the issue of access to the register, including the matters referenced in the questions; and to consider what provision, if any, can be made for registration where the current criteria do not apply.

I am advised that the GRO hope to in a position to consult with a range of advocacy groups and others with an interest in these matters before the end of the year with a view to making proposals to me early next year.

I am acutely aware of the arguments for the need to update the current registration framework to align with both evolving medical and international practice and I am also very conscious of the balance that will have to be struck arising from the keen sensitivities that attach to legislating in this area, I am sure the Deputy appreciates these sensitivities and I would welcome her input to the consultation by the GRO.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will, I expect, share my concerns about the sensitivities of introducing legislative change in relation to stillbirth registration. The death of a baby before birth is a terrible loss to the parents and may not necessarily be a bereavement that they would wish to share with other people. In legislating in this area, I am conscious of the need to represent the broadest set of views.

Registration of stillbirths in this country largely reflects international practice, with the exception that registration is voluntary and is not published in a public register. At this stage, I would be reluctant to depart from the broad framework for registration that has been established or to depart from international practice.

I know and appreciate that some parents would like to see a change in the law, but I am not convinced that the change you are proposing in the question would serve the needs of parents more generally. The Deputy may wish to note that of the stillbirths that occur annually, fewer than half of these are registered. I would not wish to remove this element of choice from parents.

As I have already informed the Deputy, the General Register Office (GRO) is currently examining how the legislation for registering stillbirths could be updated. Any proposals that emerge from this examination will be subject to consultation with a range of advocacy groups and others with an interest in these matters. The GRO has indicated that it would like to see consultations commenced before the end of the year with a view to making proposals for Government to consider what appropriate legislative provision might be made.

I hope the Deputy will engage in this consultation process when it is launched.