Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Law Society's views are welcome and it studied this section, but the society is a vested interest. Many solicitors have mislaid wills, and wills have been stolen. There is no control on the 2,200 solicitors' offices, some of which are competent and some of which are shoddy. Offices may go out of business and close down but what happens to their files? Many issues arise.

If the Law Society was not a self-governing organisation I would have more respect for its views. I am not particularly concerned by its views because I receive information from solicitors in my area who advised me on the Bill and were very helpful. This amendment makes clear that the registration of a will does not provide any presumption, evidence or proof of the existence, validity, execution, publication, revival or republication of any will. It also provides that the registration of particulars in the register does not provide any presumption, evidence or proof of these contents. This is well covered because I received good advice.