Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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940. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if financial assistance in the form of legal aid is available for people going through the probate process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49087/25]

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.

The issues raised in the Deputy's question regarding bereavement supports, including financial assistance, are primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, and the Deputy may wish to put a question to the Minister in this regard. I am informed that the Legal Aid Board does not provide financial assistance for people going through the probate process.