Vol. 516 No. 5
96 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress, if any, made with regard to improving the efficiency of the companies office; the backlog in regard to the filing of returns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8023/00]
The number of submissions processed to registration by the Companies Registration Office per year has increased by 187% since 1997. Whereas the number of submissions on registered companies awaiting processing stood at 650,000 in December 1997, it now stands at 235,000. The Registrar of Companies is hopeful that the remaining submissions will be cleared by the end of this year. I point out that all but 36,000 of these submissions are scanned and can be inspected by the public. The registrar expects that this scanning backlog, caused by technical problems during 1999, will be cleared by the end of May of this year.
These significant improvements in efficiency take place against a backdrop of a vigorous enforcement campaign, started by the office in September 1998. Following the tightening of the rules on company strike-off, brought into effect by the latest Companies Act, the office is now gearing up for the most extensive strike-off process ever undertaken with up to 70,000 companies targeted.
Whereas in 1997, 36% of companies due to file a return did so, that figure increased to 57% in 1999. The aim of the CRO is to increase that to 100% this year. While much remains to be achieved, I am happy with the progress made by the Companies Registration Office in its efforts to provide a faster and more efficient service to the public.
Does the Minister of State have details of how many staff were employed there in 1997 compared to now? What impact has been made on the phenomenon of Irish registered non-resident companies? Is this still a phenomenon or are they being scrubbed off the register?
I gave a figure regarding IRNRs some time ago but I do not have it with me. However, thousands of them were scrubbed from the register last year. Regarding staff, in 1997, following approval by the Government, the authorised staff complement of the Companies Registration Office was increased from 80 to 120. It has not proved possible to achieve the full complement of staff. Approximately 112 staff are currently serving. The number increased from 80 to 112 and there is Government approval for 120 if necessary.
I made that decision. Why has it not proved possible to fill the complement of staff? The Minister of State was about to make a witty intervention.
No, I will reply to the Deputy's question.
Is a specific programme under way to deal with Irish registered non-resident companies? Is there a particular focus on such companies?
Yes. My recollection of the reply I gave on the last occasion this matter was raised is that there was a high number of strike-offs in that area. The figure was higher than one would expect. The Deputy may be assured that the director of the Companies Registration Office is doing a wonderful job with a great team of staff in assiduously tracking such companies. Any company which does not conform with the current law will be struck off.
The full complement of 120 staff has not been achieved because it is a matter of supply and demand. That was the witty intervention about which the Deputy was getting nervous. There is huge competition in the marketplace and jobs are plentiful. The number of people available is not as great as previously and, consequently, people are opting for other short-term opportunities as distinct from long-term, secure positions.
