Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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224. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when it is likely that the legislation will be passed to recognise cohabitating partners who are not lawfully married on official documentation such as death certificates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3269/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Legislation to give effect to broadening the range of person designated as Qualified Informants for the purposes of registering a death was commenced on 20th November 2020. The new provisions enable co-habitants to register the death of their loved ones.

The General Register Office is currently putting into circulation a revised Death Notification Form with the expanded list of Qualified Information for the purpose of facilitating death registration. Any stocks of form are being withdrawn as these do not include co-habitants as a person who may register a death. Updated forms are being made available all hospitals and GP practices.

I have been advised that the GRO will undertake an exercise to identify and amend any records to reflect that a co-habitant registered the death since the new legislation was commenced. Alternatively, a person may contact their local civil registration office and request that the death certificate is corrected.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.