asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that, because local offices of the Land Registry as constituted are mere transmitting agencies for the central office, inconvenience, delay and expense are caused to the public and to legal practitioners by reason of the fact that neither registration of documents of title can be effected at local registries nor can certificates of title to property, maps of property or other important documents of title be obtained locally; and if he will consider taking steps to rectify the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Registry Offices.
43.
Mr. Barrett
I am not aware that any inconvenience, delay or expense is occasioned by the manner in which the registration of title system is at present operated. The policy of having a central office and local offices of the Land Registry is provided for in a recent enactment of the Oireachtas, namely, the Registration of Title Act, 1964, which came into operation on 1st January of this year.
The central office is the office for the registration of all land in the State. The functions of the local offices are as prescribed by Rules made by the Registration of Title Rules Committee, with my concurrence. Each local office provides separate registers of freehold and leasehold land registered in the particular county. The local registrar transmits to and receives from the central office documents connected with registration. The local office is a very valuable facility for registered owners and their solicitors in that they may inspect the registers of land in their area and also lodge with the local office all applications in connection with registration.
I see no reason to alter a policy and practice which have existed since the registration of title system was first introduced in 1892.