Written answers

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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311. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Probate Office will reopen to the public. [13278/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts, including the provision of accommodation for court sittings, is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that the work to restructure the Probate Office, taking account of current public health guidelines, to facilitate personal appointments is ongoing.

The primary concern of the Courts Service is to protect service users and staff and to ensure that appointments can be facilitated safely.

I was further informed that the application process is also being redesigned and that all existing applicants will be notified shortly of the new arrangements. However, it will be some weeks before the service is restored. When the service for new personal applicants for Probate reopens, resources will be directed to reduce the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on waiting times.

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