Willie Penrose
Question:48 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in dealing with the huge backlog at the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11177/00]
Written Answers. - Land Registry.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to his previous Parliamentary Question, No. 81 on 2 February 2000, where I outlined to the Deputy some of the causes of the unprecedented increase in the level of business to be transacted in the Land Registry in recent years. In fact, I can inform the Deputy that even in the first quarter of this year, there has been a further increase of 14% in the number of dealings lodged in the Land Registry.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, following the Department of Finance sanction, at my request, for the allocation of additional staff to the Land Registry, additional staff appointments are currently in the process of being made. I am confident that the appointment of the full allocation of extra staff, who will receive comprehensive training, will have a significant impact on the backlog of cases in hand in the Land Registry.
I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that the Land Registry has reverted its policy on restricting its telephone answering service. I understand that telephone inquiries are being answered throughout normal hours of business.
The Deputy may be assured that every effort is being made to address the problems which have developed over a period of time in the Land Registry. Progress in this regard is under constant review and policy will be revised from time to time to implement whatever measures are considered necessary and possible to achieve the Land Registry's objectives of clearing the backlog of cases and of providing an optimum service.
As I have previously informed the Deputy, I am satisfied that the provision of additional staff together with the implementation of the new title registration information system will, in time, facilitate the required result.