Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Wards of Court Office.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

774 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the Office of Wards of Court regarding the number of staff employed; his views on whether there can be delays of years in dealing with applications in that office; his further views on whether there is a responsibility on the part of the Government to ensure that the office is fully resourced in order that it can deal properly with the affairs of those suffering from incapacity and are unable to deal with their own affairs; the reason for not properly resourcing the office; and the steps, if any, proposed to deal with the problem. [18045/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

There are 15 staff currently employed in the office of wards of court.

The Government is fully aware of its responsibility to ensure that the office of wards of court is fully resourced and earlier this year I secured sanction for five new posts to assist in addressing the current backlog. Four of these posts have been filled and the filling of the fifth post and a number of existing vacancies which have arisen in the normal course are currently being processed.

I am also pleased to report that following an intensive training programme for the new staff assigned, the registrar for the office of wards of court recommenced the processing of applications for dismissal from wardship in July last. To date 42 outstanding dismissal cases have been disposed of.

I am informed that there are no delays in dealing with applications and correspondence in the office of wards of court in relation to wards who are living. As regards the applications for dismissal from wardship in respect of deceased wards which are waiting to be processed, it is important to be aware that the time taken to deal with any given case depends on the issues involved, the nature of the assets and liabilities of the deceased and whether the affairs of the deceased were in order at the date of death.

While it is not possible at this stage to indicate a precise timescale for the elimination of arrears, I am satisfied that significant progress has been made and that the resources are in place to complete this work.

The Deputy will be aware that this matter will become the responsibility of the Courts Service Board on establishment day which is scheduled for 9 November next. I will encourage the courts service to keep the matter under regular review.