asked the Minister for Finance what staff and machinery are available for stamping deeds in the Stamp Office, Dublin Castle; whether there are any substantial delays at the Stamp Office counter; if so, the causes thereof, and if the delays could be eliminated by the provision of additional staff or machinery.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamp Office, Dublin Castle.
4.
I presume that the Deputy's question relates only to the facilities provided for persons who wish to have their documents stamped while they wait. Two officers are available for checking the amount of the duty in these cases, and marking it on the documents to be stamped. One officer, who operates a single stamping press, is available for the actual stamping of the documents.
In reply to a question on the 23rd March last, I explained that the limited accommodation available on the present site of the Stamping Office does not allow of any extension of the existing facilities, and that delays occur when large numbers of callers present themselves at the same time. Better provision for personal callers is being made in the plans now under consideration for the building of new premises for the Stamping Office.
In the meantime, the Revenue Commissioners are taking all possible steps to reduce delays to a minimum. Assistance is being provided for the Stamper so as to enable him to deal more quickly with the documents presented to him, and assistance will also be provided for the Marking Officers if it should become necessary. It is hoped that these measures will result in a substantial improvement, but the position will, in any event, be kept under constant review.