Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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I move amendment No. 1:

In page 6, between lines 38 and 39, to insert the following:

“ “stillborn child” means a child who, at birth, weighs not less than 500 grammes or has a gestational age of not less than 24 weeks and shows no sign of life, and “stillbirth” shall be construed accordingly. These also include an unborn child who dies in the womb of the mother due to death of the mother but otherwise meets the weight or age criteria herein;”,”.

On Second Stage I made reference to a particular case involving an unborn child, Mollie Enright. I stated that she was killed as a result of a road accident in which her mother committed suicide. I very much regret that what I said did not reflect the actual situation. Apparently, she was killed as a result of injuries sustained by her mother, Mary Enright, néeWalsh, in a road collision with another motorist, Robert Stoker. The Garda was seeking Mr. Stoker at the time as it was believed he was suicidal and a danger to himself and others. I apologise to the family of Mollie Enright for any distress caused and I wish to have the record corrected in respect of this matter.
There was a very brief discussion on the matter to which amendment No. 1 relates on Second Stage. The essential purpose of the amendment is to ensure that the births of children such as the late Mollie Enright can be registered. I recall the Minister of State indicating that the Government would bring forward its own amendment on either Committee Stage or Report Stage - I am not quite sure which - and perhaps he will outline where matters currently stand.