Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

92. To ask the Taoiseach the first- and full-year cost of the full implementation of the Report of the expert group on conveyancing and probate, broken down by recommendation. [41624/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Report of the Expert Group on Conveyancing and Probate was approved by Government on 16^th July last. The recommendations in the report aim to make conveyancing and probate more efficient for the consumer.

The Government also approved the establishment of an Implementation Group, tasked with beginning the implementation of short-term recommendations, as well as developing a detailed programme, including assigned ownership and committed timelines, to deliver the full set of recommendations, and to report on progress within 6 months to the Housing for All Delivery Group.

The Implementation Group on Conveyancing and Probate has now been established, with an independent Chair, Dr. Conan McKenna, alongside key stakeholders as well as relevant Government departments, agencies and statutory bodies.

The Implementation Group met on 23^rd September for the first time.

The programme is therefore in the very early stages of implementation. The list of recommendations comprises a diversity of actions, ranging from small, straightforward updates to more substantive changes.

The recommendations are not costed at recommendation level. Many of the recommendations of the expert group do not have major cost implications and require what are, in effect, procedural changes, small legislative changes and a requirement for certain institutions and organisations to increase efficiency and priority in terms of their inputs to conveyancing and probate processes. Where costs arise, they will be developed and assessed as appropriate as the work of the Implementation Group is advanced .