Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. There is a significant problem here and it is reflected in many quarters. According to the 2024 Lisney property outlook, sales of second-hand homes will continue to be affected by lengthy delays in probate and this will impact on the supply of properties to the market. This is creating uncertainty. We see from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland that these delays have frustrated the sale of homes. We know that some grants of probate are now taking up to 22 weeks. We can see - I have some of the recent figures and I know the Minister of State will furnish me with more - that there are significant delays year-on-year. Are there plans to reopen the office? Part of the frustration for solicitors and for people submitting applications is the lack of engagement and communication with the Probate Office. Are there plans to open the face-to-face office?

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