Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 1

Written Answers. - Registration of Title.

Dick Roche

Question:

168 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the terms of the Registration of Title Act, 1965, which requires county councils to compulsorily register any property valued above a specified figure, is interfering with the application of the shared ownership scheme (details supplied); if he will consider taking steps to revise the threshold figure at which this requirement comes into operation to a figure reflecting current property values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23770/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Section 23 of the Registration of Title Act, 1964, provides that regis tration of the ownership of land shall be compulsory where the land is acquired by a local authority. It applies to all such property irrespective of its value.

Rule 19 of the Land Registration Rules 1972 as amended by the rules of 1972, 1977 and 1981 provides for a simplified ownership registration process by a statutory authority. A county council can, therefore, register ownership on foot of a certificate from their solicitor in lieu of and in modification of the official examination of title by the Land Registry. This simplified process can only apply in cases where the purchase money or compensation does not exceed £50,000. The registration of title rules committee is, I understand, currently reviewing this threshold with a view to revising the figure to a level commensurate with current property values. I expect the results of this review to be available shortly.

In relation to the case mentioned by the Deputy, the Land Registry does not at present have any record of an application for registration of this particular property.