asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that a high proportion of smallholders in Ireland must avail of the provisions of Section 52 of the Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act, 1891, in order to prove title to their holdings, a procedure that frequently proves inadequate or involves the applicant in heavy legal costs and expenses, and, if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation to amend the section, so as to enable smallholders to prove title without incurring heavy expense.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smallholders' Holdings.
I am not aware that the enactment referred to is in need of amendment, but I will have the matter examined. Meanwhile, I must not be taken as accepting the implications of the question that the procedure prescribed by Section 52 of the Act of 1891 is either inadequate for the purpose or unduly expensive.
The Minister will agree that, on the face of it, an Act passed in 1891 might possibly need revision 64 years afterwards?
If the Deputy will put down the question in about six weeks' time I will have a definite reply.