Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of cases of probate sales in the system; the expected waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42310/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Probate Office is an office of the High Court and management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service, which is independent in exercising its functions under the Courts Service Act 1998. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that a Grant of Representation in a deceased person's estate may be required for a variety of reasons and statistics as to why a Grant must issue are not maintained in the Probate Office/Registries. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the number of cases of probate sales as sought by the Deputy.

The Courts Service has advised further that when the Probate Office/Registries are notified that there is a sale of property pending in an estate, this Grant is always expedited. In the Probate Office in Dublin it usually issues within a 2 to 3 week timeframe in Solicitors' applications, while Personal Applicants are seen by appointment as soon as possible and the Grant issues within 3 to 4 days of their appointment with the Probate Office.