Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 5

Written Answers. - Registration of Title.

John Bruton

Question:

360 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to reduce the waiting time for Land Registry transactions from County Meath from its present 75 week period to a more reasonable period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25794/00]

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

The Deputy will be aware that, due to the current buoyancy in the economy, the intake of applications in the Land Registry continues to grow at an unprecedented level with each successive year setting new record levels. By way of example, the number of applications lodged with the Land Registry so far this year shows an increase of 31% over the figure for the corresponding period last year.

The Deputy will be aware that, in order to deal with this unprecedented increase in business, I obtained agreement to recruit an additional 77 staff for the Land Registry. Recruitment of these staff is in progress.

I can assure the Deputy that, in addition to the recruitment of new staff, every effort is being made by me and by the management and staff of the Land Registry and Registry of Deeds to address the situation in relation to the processing of applications. Land Registry management is implementing some proactive measures to help deal with the situation. These include improvements to workflow, the training and development of staff, expanding the use of new technology, an integrated title registration information system, the launch of an e-commerce service, the computerised data capture of folios and maps and maximum strategic use of overtime working.

The expansion of the use of new technology will be of particular benefit in relation to the processing of applications from County Meath in due course.