asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of recent delays in the Probate Office whereby it is now taking twice the time for grants to be issued; and if he will investigate the reason for the delay with a view to taking the appropriate action to ensure a more speedy process.
Written Answers. - Probate Office Grants.
628.
Limerick East): I am aware that there has recently been some increase in the time taken to issue grants by the Probate Office. In the case of personal applications I am informed that there is a delay of approximately eight weeks in getting an appointment with the personal applications officer. However, thereafter the grant normally issues in less than three weeks. In the case of an application made by a solicitor, the grant normally issues in seven to eight weeks. There are, however, special arrangements for dealing with cases where hardship might be caused by delay. The reason for the disimprovement is an increase in the volume of business against a background of restrictions on recruitment to the Civil Service. In an effort to improve the situation the records of the Probate Office are being computerised and it is hoped that this will lead to a reduction in the time taken to issue grants.