Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013
426. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average waiting time for registration of title at the land register in the Property Registration Authority of Ireland; the number of cases currently pending across the various sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53702/13]
View answerI am advised by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) that the total number of cases on hand as at 30 November 2013 was 60,115. This represents a reduction of almost 74% when compared to the highest level of cases on hand which was recorded in March 2008 at 231,970. The PRA has since that time been engaged in an active arrear clearance programme. Of the 60,115 cases on hand at end November 2013, 14,685 are the subjects of queries and cannot be proceeded with until a satisfactory reply is received. Outside of those cases under query, the net arrear, i.e. the number of cases on hand at 30 November 2013 was, therefore 45,431. It is worth noting that this reduction over a five year period has been brought about whilst also reducing the cost base of the PRA by more than 33% and reducing staff levels by some 25%.
The length of time taken to complete a case varies depending on a number of factors. These include the complexity of the case, investigation of title requirements, the completeness of the documentation presented and mapping requirements - this is reflected in the turnaround times for different application types which are set out below:
- All electronic applications (eDischarges of mortgages and eNursing Home charges) are completed within 2 working days;
- 75% of mainstream applications not requiring changes to the map, which are in order for registration, are completed within 10 working days;
- 91% of Copy Folio and Title Plan applications, received electronically, are issued within 24 hours of receipt of application;
- 94% of Official Map Searches are completed within 5 working days.
The cases on hand also include cases which require a change to the map, first registration and other more complex cases. The first registration applications and similarly complex cases are governed by a detailed and often complex area of land law and the circumstances of each case dictate the nature and the processing time of each individual application.
Where a case is urgent and this is brought to the attention of the PRA, in accordance with its customer service policy, the matter is dealt with expeditiously. I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the number of cases on hand in the Land Registry is at the lowest level since 1997.
