Lack of planning means no probate service in Mayo - Ring

A MAYO TD has accused the Courts Service for a lack of foresight which has resulted in the absence of a probate service available in Castlebar, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Ring said that due to 'haphazard' planning by the Courts Service to fill a post, applications had to be withdrawn, which has considerably disrupted their status.

Said Deputy Ring: “There is no excuse for this other than poor planning. The Courts Service have failed to fill this vacancy and consequently, applications are being submitted only to be withdrawn soon after.”

He continued: “The main function of this service is to give lawful authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. It’s already a difficult enough period for people without putting them through a time-wasting exercise.

“I recently received a written response from the Courts Service and was completely dissatisfied with their answer. They could not provide me with a date on which the probate service will resume, meaning people are no better off.

“Recruiting staff is often time consuming and tedious but it is no excuse and is wholly unacceptable from the Courts Service.

“Although the focus is on resolving this issue, an overarching lack of planning is the root cause of the problem.”