New law provides for interim death certificates

The Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024 also enables families to register births and deaths online for the first time. The new online service will become available for births in August and deaths at a later date.

Following consultation with parents and advocacy groups, the bill will also lead to a retrospectively increase in access to the register of stillbirths.

Social protection minister Heather Humphreys said: “I am very pleased that this landmark legislation has now been enacted.

“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.

“One of the areas which we have carefully considered is how we can support families impacted by the devastating loss of a stillborn baby and I want to sincerely thank the parents and advocacy groups for working with us in relation to these reforms. In particular, I want to thank Féileacáin for their engagement with me on this bill.

“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.”