James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The public-facing portal will act as a single point of contact for users to submit and track their applications through the entire process. That will speed matters up and will also bring transparency as to where applications are at. The electronic submission of applications through the online portal, combined with automated validation of key information at submission time, will enable faster and more efficient processing of applications, with the aim of reducing waiting times. At the same time, the Courts Service is aware of the need to reduce waiting times while the eProbate project is under way. In this regard, it is prioritising the recruitment of additional staff to help in this task. While there is a need to balance providing information and support with processing applications, I am informed that the Dublin probate general office will reopen to the public for mornings from 4 March. Additionally, the rules offices will reopen to allow the public and legal professionals to lodge court applications and other legal documents relating to the probate process. These measures are intended to provide greater support to applicants while the digital solution is developed.

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