Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
561. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of probate applications lodged in a probate office (details supplied) and waiting over six months to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, I have no role in the exercise of Probate functions. 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.
To be of assistance, my officials have made enquiries with the Courts Service. The Courts Service have advised that the Kilkenny Office provides a probate service for 3 counties, Carlow, Laois and Kilkenny. At present the waiting time in Kilkenny is approximately 4 months. However, there are 21 cases that are over 6 months, due the Kilkenny Office having to return them for outstanding queries.
