I can inform the Deputy that the functions of the Property Registration Authority (PRA) are set out in Section 10 of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 and include the management and control of the Registry of Deeds and the Land Registry and to promote and extend the registration of ownership of land.
The vast majority of applications lodged in the Land Registry relate to applications where the title is already registered and include, for example, changes to existing ownerships, charges on property and cancellation of charges. Other more complex examples relate to unregistered titles and in such instances an examination of title is required.
Regardless of the application type and whether the application is lodged by a solicitor or by the applicant directly, the PRA will check each application for compliance with the prescribed statutes and Rules. To that end, the PRA has a very comprehensive set of Practice Directions and Legal Office Notices which are available on the PRA’s website www.prai.ie.
The Registration of Title Act, 1964 (as amended) provides for rectification for errors in registration and makes provision for compensation in the event of error, forgery or fraud in relation to registration where an identifiable loss has been suffered.
The PRA also has an internal process assurance group and quality control measures in place to ensure applications are processed to the required standard. Furthermore it is also subject to audit by the Controller and Auditor General and has an internal audit process as part of its governance process.
