Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

638. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the civil registration Bill will be introduced; the timeline for its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2809/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Civil Registration Bill 2019 will resolve a number of difficulties in the registration of donor assisted births. It will extend the required particulars for registration of a birth to include “Parent” on a birth certificate. At present birth certificates issued in respect of donor-assisted children born to same sex couples only allow for the recording of the mother’s details. These changes will facilitate the registration and re-registration of births of children of same sex female couples, and this will affirm their parental rights.

In addition to the current labels of “Mother” and “Father” on birth certificates, parents of non-donor assisted children may also avail of the label “Parent” should they so request it.

While the changes proposed will affect a relatively small number of people, they touch on matters that are very sensitive and of great importance to those families affected and I have personally met with and spoken to many affected by this issue. The drafting of the Bill is currently being finalised by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and it is my intention to introduce the Bill to Dáil Éireann as soon as possible.

The Bill will also include provisions for:

- a role for a next of kin in providing a Coroner with additional details in relation to a deceased person’s particulars;

- sharing of GRO data and records with a body such as the National Library or National Archives; and

- collection of additional details in respect of deceased persons in order that the CSO can comply with obligations under EU Regulations.