Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 63:

In page 65, Part 5, between lines 36 and 37, to insert the following:

"Forename(s) and birth surname of father of deceased.

"Forename(s) and birth surname of mother of deceased.".

The purpose of this amendment is to change the death certificate to include the forename or names and birth surname of the father and mother of the deceased. As I understand it, this data is currently recorded in both the birth and marriage certificates. I am proposing to extend to the death certificate the data already in place in two other certificates. For the sake of consistency it should be included in the death certificate.

I know the Minister advanced this issue some time ago in agreeing to the place of birth being inserted. That was a very welcome change which we appreciate, but it would be useful to go the full circle, so to speak, and extend it further, given the connection we have in this country with names, places, history and genealogy, which is important not just as an industry, but in terms of who we are, where we come from and who are our relations and forefathers. I ask the Minister to consider this issue. She has already conceded one new section in the death certificate. We are very much out of line with other countries when it comes to information contained in the death certificate. We should try to upgrade it and include as much information as possible, for all the reasons stated earlier.