andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that there is a minimum of three months' delay in registering a deed in the Land Registry; that this delay which has been going on for years is causing great inconvenience and hardship both to the solicitors and other persons immediately concerned; and if in the circumstances he will arrange to have the Central Land Registry adequately staffed in order that such unnecessary delays may be obviated in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Registry Delays.
90.
I am aware that delays of the order suggested by the Deputies occur in the Land Registry and that the position has not been satisfactory for some time past. Efforts are made to minimise hardship and inconvenience by giving priority to cases where the normal sequence would give rise to hardship or serious inconvenience.
The position in the Land Registry has been under examination by my Department for some time past with a view to removing the causes of delays, which arise mainly because of staff and accommodation difficulties. As a first step, overtime is being worked at present. No effort will be spared to provide such staff and accommodation as will ensure a prompt and efficient service for the public.
Could the Minister say whether he has made any decision as to the number of staff needed in order to provide efficient service, if he has made any representation to the Minister for Finance to provide that staff and if the Minister for Finance has made any decision on the matter?
We have made a very careful examination of the situation down there and we have come to certain tentative conclusions. Discussions are in progress with the Department of Finance at the moment, but it is a changing situation and we may have to make much wider provision later on to deal with the situation. However, at the moment, we are well advanced.
Could the Minister give us any idea as to when he is to be likely to be in a position to provide a more expeditious service?
Many improvements have already been made but the biggest problem is that of accommodation. It is not easy to remedy that situation.
Is the Minister aware that one of the difficulties is that of shortage of equipment. There is not adequate photographic equipment.
I agree that there is great scope for the improvement of the equipment. In this matter, we have had discussions with the Incorporated Law Society and they are being very helpful.
The Minister referred to cases of hardship. If there are specific cases of such hardship, should they be referred to the Minister himself or what is the procedure in such cases?
Many Deputies do get in touch with me with a view to having a hardship expedited and it is nearly always done. It is not necessary to get in touch with me in all cases as I am sure the official in charge there would be anxious to expedite any case where hardship is involved.
The Registrar always endeavours to deal with applications to expedite cases where there is hardship but would the Minister take into account that very frequently it is impossible to get a copy of the folio and a copy of the Land Registry map together, both of which are needed at the one time.
I agree.