Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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97. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on reforming the stillbirth registration process [59051/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Registration of stillbirths in Ireland is voluntary. Access to the register is restricted to the parents of the child or authorised staff of the General Register Office (GRO) to reflect the sensitivity of parents. As a matter of practice, the GRO facilitate access to the register where the parents are unable to do so or are deceased.

The General Register Office has recently examined the arrangements for registration and have concluded that changes in the Civil Registration Act 2004 will be required to provide for a number of changes, including updating the criteria for a stillbirth to reflect current clinical practice and wider access to the register. The views of advocacy groups have been considered in the development of the proposals.

I have asked for proposals to be made to me in order that the Government can consider what legislative provisions might be made. If the proposals are approved, I would hope to publish a Bill early in 2023 to give effect to the agreed proposals.

I trust this information addresses the Deputy's enquiry.