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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - Registry of Deeds Genealogical Records.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

123 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether the Registry of Deeds, King's Inns, Dublin, constitutes a valuable genealogical source; her further views on the condition, indexing and storage of these documents; the plans, if any, she has to review the current circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16661/95]

The primary and statutory function of the Registry of Deeds is to provide a system of registration of property deeds. The Registry of Deeds was set up in 1707 "to secure purchasers and prevent forgeries and fraudulent gifts and conveyances of land". I agree with the Deputy that it is now recognised by many people that the registry is a rich source for genealogical research with records going back to 1708.

The material stored in the Registry of Deeds provides an invaluable, unique and irreplaceable reference for genealogical work as it maps all the important dealings with property from 1708 and has much incidental information contained in the four million memorials stored in the registry. In addition, records of wills from 1708-1835 are also part of the resources of the registry.

I recently opened the newly refurbished Registry of Deeds and I know that the refurbishment programme has substantially improved the genealogical service being provided. The cost so far of this ongoing work is £1.51 million.

The primary objectives of the refurbishment work were to improve accommodation and facilities in the context of welfare and safety of the public and staff and to improve security having regard to the importance of the building's contents.

The genealogical area was one of the main areas that benefited from this refurbishment. The names index, lands index and transcript books have been reshelved on modern shelving. The various rooms have been renovated and reading desks have also been provided in all areas where the various books are kept. The refurbishment of these areas was in line with the approach to conservation applied in the redevelopment of the building as a whole.
The job of refurbishment is not complete. I understand that the following works remain to be undertaken: all the books are being cleaned and this work should be completed in the next few weeks. The books are to be more conveniently ordered on completion of the cleaning programme. Seating has been provided in one of the reading rooms. Final adjustments to the reading desks and the seating in the other rooms are being considered and designed at present. Provision has been made to have staff available, on request, to assist members of the public wishing to inspect any books. A new computer, server, is being installed at present and should be operational within the next two to three weeks. This will improve the speed of searches for the public and will also result in additional workstations being available.
I am satisfied that every effort has been, and is being, made to provide a modern, safe, convenient and comfortable environment for members of the public to avail of the genealogical-historical riches contained in the Registry of Deeds.
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