asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction that exists because Land Registry transactions are not being carried out within a reasonable time; and, if so, whether he is prepared to have this grievance remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Registry Transactions.
I am aware that for some years past there have been considerable arrears of work in the central office of the Land Registry, with consequent delays in dealing with cases.
Since the end of the emergency there has been a substantial increase in the work of the central office and the situation has been aggravated by the loss of experienced staff due to deaths and retirements of older officials. Every effort has been made to overcome the difficulties both by the replacement of staff and by increasing the number of staff employed on the different branches of the work. However, there has been difficulty in recruiting suitable personnel, and it takes time to train and equip recruits for technical duties.
In addition to the provision of extra staff, steps have been taken for the installation in the central office of apparatus for the photographic reproduction of documents, maps, etc., which, it is expected, will be delivered before Christmas.
I may add that, as a result of the measures already taken, the volume of arrears in dealings has, within the last four months, been reduced by about one-half and, with the further measures in contemplation, it is hoped that the arrears of urgent cases will soon be completely disposed of.