asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that much dissatisfaction exists amongst the legal profession and the public generally owing to the amalgamation of the offices of under-sheriff and probate officer with the office of county registrar; that in cases of this amalgamation long delays occur in the execution of court decrees and orders and answers of "Nulla Bona" are returned without due and proper investigation; that the duties of these officers cannot properly be carried out or supervised by county registrars who have already full-time positions of grave responsibility; and whether he will set up a tribunal to inquire into the matter, or, alternatively, introduce legislation to deal with it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amalgamation of Offices.
Under the provisions of the Court Officers Act, 1926, the work of the under-sheriff devolves automatically on the county registrar on the occurrence of a vacancy in the former office.
I am satisfied that these provisions should be modified so as to provide for the continuance of a separate office for the discharge of the whole or specified portions of the present duties of under-sheriff in counties in which the combined duties would be so heavy that it would be clearly impracticable for the county registrar to take responsibility for them all. Legislation for that purpose will be introduced shortly.
In general, however, so far as my information goes there are no grounds for the suggestion that the result of the amalgamation of duties, in those counties in which it has taken place, has been so unsatisfactory as to warrant a general reversion to the former system. If specific cases of laxity or delay in the execution of court orders are submitted to me, I shall have them carefully investigated.
The same remark applies to probate business in those places where the county registrar acts as district probate registrar.
Can the Minister say when the proposed legislation will be introduced?
Mr. Boland
I cannot, but I hope to introduce it this session. I cannot be quite certain, however, about that.