Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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962. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to establish a register and baby loss certificates for parents who experience loss before 24-weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62783/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate how important it is to recognise and acknowledge pregnancy loss, and the devastating impact pregnancy loss can have on families.

The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Act 2024, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Social Protection, has expanded access to the stillbirth register, and those who can request a certificate. Changes were made, through the Act, to the criteria for the registration of stillbirths with a reduction of the current weight and gestational age, as well as the changes to include multiple pregnancies. These changes mean that many babies will now be given the acknowledgement, recognition, and validation they deserve.

There has been significant work undertaken by this Government to improve supports for families experiencing pregnancy loss.

The implementation of the National Maternity Strategy, under the remit of my Department, has provided for Bereavement Specialist Teams in all 19 maternity hospitals and units across the country, to assist and support parents, families and professionals dealing with pregnancy loss.

A number of further maternity reforms are currently being assessed in line with the Programme for Government, including the development of a successor to the National Maternity Strategy.