Death and birth registration system to be overhauled

The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024 will allow families to register the birth or death of a loved one online for the first time, and will also allow an interim death certificate to be issued to families in cases where a coroner’s inquest has not been concluded.

Following consultation with parents and advocacy groups, the bill will also make retrospective changes to increase access to the register of stillbirths. An optional public record of stillbirths will be established for those who wish to avail of it.

Social protection minister Heather Humphreys said: “These reforms are about giving people greater flexibility when it comes to registering major life events and are designed to bring Ireland in line with the practices in place in other countries.

“The current system that we have was introduced in 1864 and now is the time for it to be modernised to make life easier for people.”

She added: “Over recent months, my Department and I have consulted widely in order to strike the right balance in relation to these reforms.

“One of the areas which we have carefully considered is how we can support families impacted by the loss of a stillborn baby.

“I’m pleased to announce that the criteria for a stillborn baby will be reduced to reflect advances in clinical care and there will be a broadening of access to the register of stillbirths and also an optional public record of stillbirths will be established. I want to sincerely thank the parents and advocacy groups for working with us in relation to these reforms.”

Minister of state Joe O’Brien added: “The bill provides for a greater choice for interacting with the civil registration service and will be particularly convenient for parents registering the birth of their children where they will now be able to access the service via their digital device at any time of the day.

“I welcome this increased flexibility in the delivery of the birth registration service along with the other measures in the bill. I look forward to bringing the bill to the Dáil next week.”