20. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans for the introduction of baby loss certificates. [67535/26]

The General Register Office (GRO), which operates under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection is currently involved in the development of proposals to recognise early pregnancy loss.

Early pregnancy loss is a difficult time for families and the State would like to ensure that families are supported during this time.

The aim of any such recognition process would be to provide support to the parent or parents who experience early pregnancy loss.  It is hoped that the development of such a process will provide some measure of comfort to families who suffer early pregnancy loss.

The proposed scheme would be a commemorative record of baby loss before 23 weeks of pregnancy.  Entries in the record would provide recognition of baby loss and offer comfort to those who want a record of their loss.

It is envisaged that any application process would be entirely voluntary and be applicable to the loss of a child where that child does not meet the current stillbirth criteria.

In order to progress this matter, officials from the GRO have been in contact with various groups and bodies on this proposal.  In July this year, the GRO presented the broad parameters of a scheme to recognise early baby loss in the State to the Cross Party Oireachtas Group on Pregnancy and Infant Loss and other interested parties.

Officials from the GRO have also engaged with colleagues from other jurisdictions where similar schemes of recognition have been implemented.

A meeting with the Northern Ireland GRO is scheduled for later this week to facilitate a discussion around their experiences in implementing a scheme for the recognition of pregnancy loss in Northern Ireland.