Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. I wish to make a couple of wider points that do not necessarily apply to the Minister of State's Department but certainly do apply to the Government. Sinn Féin welcomes the Bill. We believe greater flexibility in registering major life events is to be welcomed. The Bill brings us into line with other countries by allowing us to register life events online in addition to being able to do so in person. I hope the advancement will make it easier for people in times of joy and grief.

We welcome the Bill's provision on the issuing of an interim death certificate where a coroner's inquest has not been concluded. Many grieving families have long campaigned for this. I welcome the fact that their calls have finally been heard.

Despite the clear work done by the Department in listening to advocates, there is still more that can be done. In this regard, I would like to raise the issue of stillbirths in particular. This is an incredibly sensitive matter that represents unimaginable tragedy and bereavement for thousands of parents every year. There is currently no bereavement leave or benefit for parents who experience a stillbirth, and this is something we would like to see the Government address. The changes on stillbirths in the Bill are welcome but are only a start in changing what is a deeply flawed system. I acknowledge that this probably falls under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth but the Department of Social Protection could extend or introduce the benefit payment for those who have suffered on account of a stillbirth. We could do that at a relatively low cost. Sinn Féin costed it in its alternative budget. It does not involve a huge amount of money. We are talking about a very small amount. Unfortunately, there are 120 stillbirths per annum in Ireland.In terms of the wider financial situation, it would need a lot of money to extend parental leave or benefit to families who experience stillbirth.

On digitalisation, I would like to address the current IT infrastructure within the HSE. We need to bring in a fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure with regard to protection and defence. Not only do we need to ensure that we secure patients’ information in the best way possible, but we also need to ensure the correct information is there when it is required by caregivers, doctors and other medical experts. That area has not been addressed to the degree that it needs to be. While we welcome this provision allowing engagement with the State online, it needs to be developed right across society and all Government operations.

Sinn Féin supports the Bill. Nonetheless, I would encourage the Minister and the Government to look into the other issues.