asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the one year's delay on the part of the Land Registry section of his Department in finalising and dealing with section 49 applications for registration of title to land; the number of applications on hand and the steps he proposes to take to increase the staff in the Land Registry, so that these applications can be dealt with within six weeks from the date of receipt; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Land Registry Applications.
323.
Limerick East): As explained to the Deputy in my reply to a similar question on 7 July 1983, section 49 applications are usually of a complex nature requiring detailed examination of title, extensive correspondence and the issue of statutory notices to interested parties which usually gives rise to further correspondence. Irrespective of the number of staff assigned to work on section 49 cases, there could not be any question, as a general rule, of their being dealt with within six weeks from date of receipt.
The number of section 49 applications on hands in the Land Registry at the end of October 1983 was 2,836. That figure included 1,017 applications in respect of which it was necessary for the Land Registry to raise queries and which cannot be proceeded with until replies to the queries have been received. It is likely that it will also be necessary to raise queries in respect of many of the other outstanding applications.
For further details on this matter I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to a similar Question from him on 7 July, 1983. (Dáil Official Report, vol. 344 No. 9 column 2127).