Vol. 524 No. 2
392 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he will agree to the elimination of Land Registry fees in relation to the transfer of properties between husbands and wives to reflect the current position which exempts stamp duty payment in respect of such transfers. [22255/00]
The Deputy will be aware that the fees were reviewed as recently as last year. Two fees orders were subsequently introduced for the Land Registry and the Registry of Deeds last February and May respectively. I have no plans at present for a further review. The Deputy may also be aware that under section 14 of the Family Home Protection Act, 1976 no Land Registry fees are payable on a transaction creating a joint tenancy between spouses in respect of a family home where the home was, immediately prior to such transaction, owned by either spouse or both spouses, otherwise than as joint tenants.
393 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to tackle the problem of delays in the Land Registry and the difficulties being experienced by first-time home buyers; and whether he will review Land Registry fees in view of these continuing delays. [22256/00]
I am implementing a number of measures aimed at reducing delays in the Land Registry. These include the assignment of an additional 77 staff to the registries. I should add also that there has been a major increase in the level of dealings lodged with the registries over the last two/three years due in the main to the increased buoyancy in the property market during that period. In all cases where there is a particular urgency cases are prioritised and expedited. The use of modern technology is also being pursued in order to improve the standard and level of service to the users of Land Registry services.
