Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Willie O'Dea is quite correct; we are all trying to achieve the same purpose, namely, that a stillborn child can be registered. The current legislative proposal covers that aim. As Deputy Willie O'Dea will be aware from his own profession, if one puts solicitors and barristers in a room and asks for advice, whoever pays the price will get the information he or she wants to hear.

The provisions on stillbirth are clearly outlined in the legislation. They relate to the time and the weight. The advice of the Attorney General is that the issue on which Deputy Ó Snodaigh has been lobbied is covered. He is correct that a court case is in train. The Department of Justice and Equality has been informed of the legal advice and has written to the Coroners' Society of Ireland advising of the legal advice. The Enright case, which we are discussing, is a very tragic case. Based on the legal advice we received, we are confident that the legislation covers the vast majority of cases. I am only aware of one case. Other cases have not been brought to my attention. I accept Deputy Willie O'Dea's point that we have debated the issue at length both in the Seanad and also on Committee Stage. I do not propose to accept the amendment at this stage.

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