The Gazette 1975

LAND REGISTRY DELAYS QUE S T I ON: To ask the Minister for Justice the reforms he has introduced since March, 1973 to speed the process in the Land Registry.

I am hopeful that the improvement in the arrears position will not only be maintained but greatly accelerated as a result particularly of ithe changes which are being introduced. I am most anxious that the Land Registry should provide the most efficient service possible and I will continue to do whatever I can to achieve this end. In this context I migth mention that in order to facilitate the public in the lodgment of applications, I made an order in November, 1974, providing that fees could be paid by cash, banker's draft, money order, postal order or cheque as well as by Land Registry stamps (which was previously the only method by which fees could be paid).

NOEL DAVERN

For answer on Tuesday, 17th June, 1975.

ANSWER: Many remedial measures, including the reorganisation of both the legal/clerical and the mapping structure, have been taken in recent years in order to provide a more efficient service in the Land Registry. These arose from the implementation of recommendations made by a study group which was set up in 1968 to review the organisation and procedures of the Registry. Early in 1974 I reconstituted the study group to continue the work of examining the organisation and procedures of the Land Registry and to furnish recommendations as to changes that should be made so as to enable the Registry to discharge its functions more efficiently. I accepted the group's recommendations to the effect that a new mapping system should be introduced and a special section in the Mapping Branch is now working on the implementation of the new system. One of the main advantages of the new system is that, when it is operative, a registered owner will be able to obtain a copy of a document, known as a filed plan, which will comprise both the folio and the map relating to his holding. Under the existing system, a major source of delay has been the need for copy maps to be drawn by hand, which is a time-consuming process. Under the new system delays in this area will be completly eliminated, as it will be possible to produce copies of the filed pl?ns photographically. The amount of work involved in the introduction of the new system is considerable but I am hopeful that it can be completed in a reasonable period of time I expect that the study group will let me have, in the very near future, detailed plans showing how the new system can be fully implemented within a reasonble time. Th e study group are also examining other areas of difficulty in the Land Registry, notably first registra- tions, storage of documents and the question of accom- modation generally. I expect that the group will furnish early reports on these matters. Apart from fundamental changes, a number of remedial measures have been taken from time to time in order to reduce delays in the Registry. As a result of these measures, which include ithe working of overtime and an increase of 15% in staff members since the begining of 1973, the arrears of delaings in registered land, which constitute the m?.in bulk of the work of the Registry, have been reduced by 2 7% since the begining of 1973, despite the fact that the intake of dealings increased by 35% during the same period.

Assistant Law Agent Cork Corporation Salary : £5,206 - £5,955 The successful applicant may enter the salary scale above the minimum depending on qual- ifications and experience. Contributory pension and Widows and Orphans pension scheme. Essential: Admission and enrolment as a Solicitor in the State and three years exper- ience including experience of Court work. Age limits : 2 4 - 5 5 years on 1st September, 1975. For application forms and further details write to:Secretary, Local Appointments Commission, 1 Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2. Latest date for receiving completed application forms 4th September, 1975.

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