Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
341. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is aware of the backlog of applications within the Land Registry Office; whether he can engage with Tailte Éireann to ensure staffing is increased to improve efficiency of service delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2488/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
In common with many other public service organisations, Tailte Éireann experienced significant knock on effects of the COVID restrictions put in place over the last number of years. In addition, an increase in staff exits through retirements and mobility transfers during this time has contributed to an accumulation of applications for registration.
In 2023, a request for an increase in the provision for staff pay in Tailte Éireann’s Vote was supported by my Department, and subsequently provided for in their Estimate for 2024.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, while alleviating somewhat, they have experienced significant challenges in recruitment and continues to engage with the Public Appointments Service to fulfil its staffing requirements for replacement and additional staff.
Tailte Éireann has indicated that the level of property transactions has remained strong and there has a continued increase in applications received year on year.
In 2023, the number of applications lodged for registrations increased by 5%. 239,287 legal dealings were lodged to register the legal effect of 320,895 transactions.
240,365 dealings were completed, matching intake. This is an increase of 9.2% on 2022 completions (219,982), and 25% higher than in 2021 (191,393).
In addition, the number of applications which were lodged for registration but were not in order to proceed rose by 19% in 2023 over 2022. 33,840 applications contained errors with grounds for rejection and were returned to the lodging party, creating a substantial administrative burden for Tailte Éireann.
Notwithstanding this level of output and the robust nature of the property market, the ongoing challenges to fill remaining staffing gaps has resulted in a stabilisation, rather than reduction, of applications on hand, in particular for certain application types.
I am assured by Tailte Éireann that every effort is being made to further reduce application processing times including implementation of the following actions:
• Implementation of revised procedures for more efficient handling of applications which are not in order to proceed to registration.
• Targeted approach to reduce the age profile of applications pending registration.
• Revised internal processes aimed at reducing the volume of applications on hand which are not in order to proceed and remain under query.
• Continued promotion of digital services and uptake of eRegistration services to reduce processing times for all service users.
• An organisation-wide focus on reducing processing times with business process improvements implemented.
Improvements have been made in throughput times, in particular in relation to cases not requiring mapping. I am confident that as the required staff are successfully on-boarded, Tailte Éireann will be in a position to achieve its goal of reducing waiting times across all registration services.
Tailte Éireann is always willing to expedite cases where valid grounds exist. Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at info@tailte.ie
Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at reps@tailte.ie.
