asked the Minister for Lands when a building site which a person (name supplied) in County Meath has received from her father will be vested, in view of the fact that she paid the necessary annuity to the Land Commission some six months ago; and the reason for the delay in dealing with this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Building Site.
47.
Cavan): I am informed that the building site referred to was vested on 25th March, 1975. As soon as a map—which is at present being prepared—is available the necessary documents will be transmitted to the Land Registry for registration.
These cases take a very long time as the Minister will see from the back-up information. This case has been going on for well over a year. Would the Minister ensure that there is no delay in dealing with building sites?
(Cavan): I do not think there was any undue delay in this case. Consent to subdivision was given on 7th November last.
That was quick enough but the delay was in the other area.
(Cavan): The annuity was redeemed on 9th January of this year and the holding was vested on 25th March. There is some delay in the preparation of a map but I do not think there is an undue delay in this case.
How long will it take for the map to be prepared?
(Cavan): I have not that information but I will request that the matter be expedited.
Has the Minister considered ways and means of having this whole business expedited?
(Cavan): What whole business?
The whole business of applications for transfers which are bogged down in the Minister's Department.
(Cavan): I am sure the Deputy realises that a major proportion of the work in connection with the transfer of sites is carried out in the Land Registry which is not under my Department but under the Department of Justice.
In case the Minister thinks I was being smart I want to tell him that is not so as I am quite aware of the situation. I am sure he will also agree that there have been considerable delays in his Department in seeking permission for subdivision.
(Cavan): No, unless in cases such as this where the holding was not vested. The granting of consent to subdivision to provide the site for a house out of vested holdings in the Department of Lands is practically automatic.
Could the Minister give the average waiting time?
(Cavan): I know both from my experience as a solicitor and as a Minister that it is very quick. There may be delays getting land registry maps——
I am not talking about that. I am talking about Land Commission subdivision.