Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
344. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Tailte Éireann is subject to any criminal investigation by the fraud squad at the moment for a total of nine allegations against them including fraudulent concealment and misrepresentation. [7552/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, as of 14 February 2024, they have not been made aware by An Garda Síochána of any current criminal investigation in connection with the matters raised. Tailte Éireann has indicated that it will cooperate with any request received from An Garda Síochána in the course of any investigation.
Registration of all applications on the Land Register is effected in accordance with the relevant legislation including the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, the Registration of Title Act 1964, the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, and also in accordance with Land Registration Rules 2012-2021.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, if an application is lodged for registration, and the application is in order, Tailte Éireann is obliged to register in accordance with the documents lodged and current legislation governing land ownership and conveyancing in Ireland.
It is important to note that the matters raised may be appropriate to the Department of Justice or the Law Reform Commission, or in the case where the applicable legislation refers to the Central Bank Act, it may be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
