Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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111. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to delays in the probate process (details supplied); the actions he will take to expedite this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38152/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Probate Office is an office of the High Court. Management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in the exercise of their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. Probate functions are also carried out by County Registrars at District Probate Registries in 14 provincial court offices. I, as Minister, have no role in the exercise of probate functions.

I am advised that every effort is made by the Courts Service to ensure that probate services are adequately supported with staff, training and other resources and that the public are assisted in dealing with what can be a complex and sensitive matter. The Probate General Office and Rules Office in Dublin is open to the legal profession and the general public every morning, Monday to Friday, to facilitate general enquiries, filing of court applications, Probate Officer Orders and caveats.

I have been further advised that huge progress has been made to reduce average processing times. The average time (nationwide) for probate applications to complete is down from 22 weeks at the start of 2024 to 11 weeks at year end, with Dublin seeing a drop from 25 weeks to 7 weeks over the same period. Average waiting times have subsequently further reduced over the course of 2025 and, although I am unable to comment on individual cases, the individual complexities of a case can contribute to the time it takes for a Grant of Probate to issue.

The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie. As specific matters relating to Probate fall to the Courts Service, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.