Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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405. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the measures his Department has taken to examine the role of sheriffs in respect of State work; the rationale underpinning the need for this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19130/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have established a Joint Review Group to examine the role of Sheriffs, as currently constituted, in respect of State work.

The Review Group is independently chaired by a former Secretary General of this Department, and comprises of representatives from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Courts Service, the Departments of Justice, Housing and Finance, as well as a representative from the Insolvency Service of Ireland.

The Review Group is examining the future role of Sheriffs, with a view to establishing if the nature of the role is currently in line with best international practice, or if there is a more efficient and cost effective system of debt collection. The review will dissect the nature and volume of work available to Sheriffs both now, and into the future.

The Terms of Reference and further information regarding the Group is available on Gov.ie at the following link: gov.ie - Sheriffs Review Group (www.gov.ie).

The Review is expected to take between 6-9 months and the target date for the report is Q3 of 2023.