asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the serious delays which occur in dealing with cases under the control of the Lunacy Department of the Chancery Court and with particular reference to the case of the estate of the late John J. Halvey, Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe, which came under the control of that Department on the 18th June, 1925; if he is aware that the creditors of the estate have been subjected to heavy legal expenses in endeavouring to obtain payment of their claims and whether steps can be taken to induce the Lunacy Department to expedite the winding-up of this estate.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ADMINISTRATION OF LUNACY DEPARTMENT.
MINISTER for JUSTICE (The President)
I am not aware that serious delays have occurred in the Office of the Registrar to the Chief Justice in dealing with lunacy cases which come under the control of that office. I am informed that it is usual for a Report Order to be made giving directions as to the complete management of an estate within a month of the date of the declaration of unsoundness of mind. In the particular case of John J. Halvey, to which the Deputy refers in his question, an Order was made on the 22nd June, 1926, declaring him to be of unsound mind, and his business was carried on by the Office of the Registrar to the Chief Justice until his death on the 2nd January, 1927. Letters of administration were issued on the 27th January, and if creditors are paid within one year from the date of death there will be no unreasonable or unusual delay.