Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

When this provision was first introduced by former Minister Mervyn Taylor, a parent could apply for a certificate within 42 days. The Minister is now increasing that to one year. Is it possible that the new provision could apply retrospectively to 1995, the year the legislation was introduced? Can parents of a stillborn child who did not realise this provision existed now register that stillbirth under the new provision? I suspect I know what will be the answer. I am not sure many people were aware they could register stillbirths, although I know current figures in that regard are increasing.