asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the long delays which now occur in the issuing of grants of probate and administration; and how soon steps will be taken to remedy matters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants of Probate and Administration.
42.
I am aware that there has been an increase from one to three weeks in the time taken for the issue of grants over the past few months. This has been due mainly to the additional work involved for the Principal Probate Registry in preparing for the coming into operation of the Succession Act, 1965, and a subsequent exceptional volume of correspondence with the public and District Probate Registries in connection with matters arising from the new Act.
Some delay was inevitable during the initial stages of the operation of the Act notwithstanding the provision of additional staff in the District Probate Registries. The position is, however, being kept under observation and I have arranged that, when further experience has been gained of the operation of the Act and the new District Probate Registries, a review of staffing requirements will be undertaken so as to ensure an acceptable service.
Can the Minister hold out any hope of an improvement in the next month?
We are working on it at the moment.
The Minister would hold out hope of anything to get out of an awkward spot.