John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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460. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Part IV section 27 of the Succession Act 1965 will be reviewed to determine whether it requires amendment; if he is satisfied with the operation of this Part of the Act; his views on whether the administration of estates should be carried out by an independent agency to give greater transparency and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35824/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The position is that section 27 of the Succession Act 1965 deals with arrangements for the granting of letters of administration to an estate. I am not aware, nor have I been made aware, of any difficulties regarding the transparency and accountability of administrators under existing arrangements. Administrators of estates have the same role and responsibilities of executors of estates. In addition, an administrator must enter into an administration bond (under section 34(1) of the Act) as security for their work in the administration.

In light of the foregoing, I have no plans to devolve the administration of estates to an independent agency, the establishment and operation of which would be likely to incur significant expenditure by the State.