Madam, - Steven C. ffeary-Smyrl makes an unanswerable case for the inclusion of greater detail in Irish death records (Opinion, January 26th). It is surely untenable that Ireland should ignore United Nations guidelines and continue to compile death records that are inferior to those of many developing countries, not to mention virtually all of our European partners.
General Register Office records are vital for a variety of official purposes, including statistical analysis and the administration of social welfare. Beyond this, private individuals also have need of these records, not only out of general interest in genealogy but to support important legal entitlements such as inheritance and life insurance claims. The current unsatisfactory records can make it impossible to prove legitimate claims in such areas.
Surely the Government should make the necessary minor adjustments to the Civil Registration Bill as it passes through the Oireachtas in the coming weeks? - Yours, etc.,
ROY STANLEY, Beechwood Park, Dublin 6.