I am sure the Deputy is aware that, arising from the current buoyancy in the economy, the intake of applications in the Land Registry and the Registry of Deeds continues to grow at an unprecedented level, with each successive year setting new record levels.
In order to address this problem, I received sanction from my colleague, the Minister for Finance, to increase the staffing complement of the Land Registry by 77. The resulting appointments are currently being made following a recruitment drive by the Civil Service Commission, which is now beginning to pay dividends.
I assure the Deputy that every effort is being made by the management and staff of the Land Registry to address the problems that have developed over a period of time, mainly due to the unprecedented increase in the levels of business. The 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, the use of new technology, the launch of an e-commerce service and the computerised data-capture of folios and maps.
I am confident that, with the appointment of additional staff and the programme of measures being taken, the situation in relation to arrears will improve.