asked the Minister for Justice if he would state the average time to register new leases in the Land Registry; what steps he intended taking to expedite registrations of new leases and other transactions; and the reasons why the delays in the registry were growing in number and duration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Registry.
99.
I am informed by the Registrar of Titles that, assuming that the application for registration is in order and that there are no queries, the average time taken at present to register a new lease in the Land Registry is three months.
There is an increase of 28 per cent in the estimated number of dealings lodged in the Land Registry in 1971 as compared with the actual number lodged in 1970. I understand that it is this increase that is mainly responsible for the growth in delays.
A reorganisation scheme affecting the Mapping Branch is at present under active examination. There are, however, substantial problems to be overcome in the matter of reorganising this particular Branch and I cannot say that a solution is in sight in the immediate future. On the other hand, I am very conscious of, and concerned about, the shortcomings in the Branch at present and attempts to remedy the position are being given priority.
The reorganisation of other aspects of Land Registry work is now well advanced and a major reorganisation scheme designed to increase efficiency in the registration of dealings is at present being put into operation. When this scheme is fully operational, as I hope it will within the next two months, a very considerable improvement in the position can be expected.
Question No. 100 postponed.