Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
340. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the new practice with the land registry whereby if a change of deeds form is submitted incorrectly, when the form is returned to the solicitor the section which requires correcting is no longer identified, and thus slows down the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7484/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides 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.
I understand from Tailte Éireann that, the grounds which give rise to rejection of applications for registration have not changed and that Tailte Éireann has discussed the recent internal process change, in regard to rejection of applications which are not in order to be registered, with the Law Society Conveyancing Committee.
Tailte Éireann has indicated that the significant number of poor quality applications that continue to be lodged has led to a substantial administrative burden for Tailte Éireann. This has resulted in resources being utilised which could be better spent in the public interest by reducing processing times for all applications in order.
Tailte Éireann has also indicated that the change in process involves the rejection of an application once any significant error is discovered which will prevent registration of the application. When the first error that amounts to grounds for rejection is discovered, the application is rejected without further examination. This approach improves efficiency in the processing of applications which are not in order to proceed, to the benefit of all applicants awaiting registration.
Regarding the issue raised that the reason for rejection is not being provided, I understand from Tailte Éireann that the error will be specified in correspondence to the lodging party and no further examination of the application will be undertaken. A checklist, and a mapping checklist if appropriate, will be enclosed with the rejection letter. The lodging party will be advised to ensure that the application meets all of the requirements on the checklist prior to re-lodgement.
The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of an application for registration rests with the applicant, or their solicitor. The function of Tailte Éireann is to register applications that are in order to proceed.
It is important to note that Tailte Éireann is not an advisory body. The lodging party should ensure the application is fully and accurately completed before lodging. This is in the best interests of all concerned, as applications which are not in order result in delays in registration for all applicants.
Further information may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at reps@tailte.ie.
