Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

On the two amendments, the section itself provides for the registration of certain births to Irish citizens domiciled in the State where there is no system of registration of births or where copies of certificates cannot be obtained. The registration of births and stillbirths occurring outside the State to Irish citizens domiciled in the State in the following circumstances has been provided for within the legislation where, first, a system of registration of birth or stillbirth does not exist in that country or it is not possible to obtain copies of birth or stillbirth certificates. Those life events, births and stillbirths, can be registered outside of the State in those circumstances. I have also made provision for the registration of births and stillbirths occurring on an Irish-registered aircraft or ship, to an Irish citizen on board a foreign aircraft or ship travelling to or from an Irish airport or seaport and to the members of the Permanent Defence Force or the Garda Síochána.

I am satisfied within the provisions of the Bill that sections 26 and 27 adequately meet the requirements. On amendment No. 37, the section itself provides for the registration of stillbirths and replaces section 6 of the Stillbirths Registration Act 1994 to which Deputy Neville referred. It provides for the registration of stillbirths by parents or close relatives within 12 months of the stillbirth. Provision is made for the registration of stillbirths in sections 26 and 27 of the Bill. This addresses the amendment put forward by the Deputy.

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