asked the Minister for Lands the number of estates taken over by his Department in the entire country that have not yet been paid for.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payment for Acquired Estates.
36.
asked the Minister for Lands the average time elapsing between the taking over of estates by his Department and payment being made for them.
38.
asked the Minister for Lands if he considers that the delay in dealing with estates in the Examiner Section in his Department warrants an increase in staff; and, if so, if he will give immediate attention to the matter.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
The precise information requested in Question No. 36 is not readily available. Perhaps, however, it would meet the Deputy's requirements if I tell him that, in the five year period ended 30th June last, a total of 1,147 properties purchased for land bonds amounting in nominal value to some £5.36 million vested in the Land Commission while, in the same period, purchase moneys aggregating about £4.36 million in respect of 1,041 estates were allocated.
Delay in allocation of land bonds representing the purchase moneys of estates taken over by the Land Commission is a matter about which I have expressed concern on a number of occasions. In particular, I would refer the Deputy to my remarks at Vol. 182, cols. 909-910 and 1368-9 of the Official Report, in the course of which I informed the House of the results of an investigation made by me regarding delay in allocation of purchase moneys in cumpulsory acquisition cases.
This investigation showed that the average time-lag between the Appointed Day (normally the date on which the Land Commission enter into possession of a property) and the issue of payment instructions to the bankers was 27 months. Commenting on the duration of this time-lag, however, I pointed out that the Land Commission were responsible for only two months out of the 27 month period—the greater part of the delay arising from owners and their legal advisers not expediting lodgment of title—and I stated that the whole matter was under examination with a view to simplifying the existing procedure and eliminating delays.
The resultant introduction, in consultation with the Incorporated Law Society, of the Land Purchase Acts (Rules) 1964 has considerably simplified the machinery in relation to title clearance and the application of these Rules, together with the operation of sections 15, 16 and 17 of the Land Act, 1965, will, I feel, lead to marked improvement in this important sector. Moreover, to ensure that examination will proceed with the utmost expedition in future. I am arranging for a strengthening of the staff of the Examiner's Branch of the Land Commission.