AQO 2161/22-27

Miss Jemma Dolan
Sinn Féin
Fermanagh and South Tyrone

Tabled Date: 05/06/2025
Answered On Date: 16/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on the baby loss certificate scheme.

Answer:

I am eager to move this scheme forward urgently to give all parents and families who have suffered the devastating loss of a baby formal recognition of their loss.

I have met, and will continue to meet, with key stakeholders to take on board their views and input.

I will be launching a public consultation tomorrow to ensure that everyone can provide their views to help us shape this scheme to meet the needs and expectations of those who have been impacted.

The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill, which will provide a power to make regulations to form a scheme, remains at Committee Stage. I remain hopeful that this stage will progress as quickly as possible.

Once that process is complete my officials will draft the required secondary legislation and operationalise the scheme.

If these matters progress smoothly, it remains my intention that the scheme be operational by the end of the year.