Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1426. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice when the Probate Office will reopen in order that probate personal applicant appointments can resume; and if personal applicants can receive a grant of representation. [19328/21]
View answerThe Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in its functions. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has provided the following update on this matter.
The Courts Service advises that the reintroduction of restrictions on travel earlier this year necessitated the temporary closure of the personal applications process in the Dublin Probate Office. In light of the recent Government announcement regarding the lifting of those restrictions, plans are being implemented to restart interviews with personal applicants in May. I am advised that existing applicants will be contacted by the Courts Service to arrange new appointments for their interviews shortly and once their application is in order, personal applicants will be issued with a Grant of Representation as normal.
