The Gazette 1992

GAZETTE

SEPTEMBER 1992

automated system providing for quick and comprehensive access, updating and inspection. The system has been extended to the Western Region of the Land Registry (Sligo, Roscommon, Clare, Galway and Mayo) for folios opened after 1987. All dealing records for these counties are recorded on the case tracking system. The computerised system allows for secure multi-user access from over 50 terminals linked via WANGNET and FASTLAN networks throughout the Land Registry office. The Land Registry system using "PROMIS" application software operates on a Wang VS100 processor with 8Mb main memory and 2.2Gb disk capacity at Setanta Centre and a shared Wang VS100 which has 8Mb main memory and 2.5Gb disk capacity at Aras Ui Dhalaigh. The Setanta system is linked to the five Western Region local offices which use dial up facilities for search and inquiry. Computerisation of the memorial abstracts held in the Registry of Deeds commenced in 1989 with the development of a system operating in a UNIX environment on a Philips P9070 host server with 8Mb memory and 1.2Gb disk capacity. The application is written in Progress 4GL and managed by Progress RDBMS as the development tool. The new system which is now operational allows for search and inquiry against grantor name for registrations made after September 1990. The system is based on data entry of the details abstracted from the memorials lodged for registration. A data capture programme to enter details of older abstracts will expand the database and eventually encompass sufficient records to satisfy enquiries for standard conveyancing searches. It is likely that a further 11 years of abstracts will become available in computerised format before the end of this year. In addition the Registry has installed a new micro-filming system which will provide for reading and printing of all memorials filed from 1950 by the end of this year. Registry of Deeds

Further developments

Lost Property Law Society Office Four Courts A quantity of lost property has accumulated in the Law Society's office in the Four Courts, Dublin (spectacles, overcoats, old files, umbrellas etc.). Please note that this property will be disposed of unless it is claimed before Monday, 19 October, 1992. All enquiries should be directed to Mary Bissett or Paddy Caulfield at the Four Courts, Telephone: 681806. states that the writings of the German philosopher Hegel were of "an intoxicating vagueness." Translated, Hegel's ideas sound wonderful but cannot be understood easily. John Austin's The Province of Jurisprudence Determined is described by the author as "far from being a monument of literature." Translated, Austin had a poor writing style. Sir Edward Coke (c. 1628) wrote in his Institutes of "the gladsome light of jurisprudence." On the other hand, it was Dicey (c. 1890) who wrote that jurisprudence is a word "which stinks in the nostrils of a practising barrister." The pages of history will never be lost on a thinking lawyer. John Kelly has written an epic work, a fascinating history, that will stand the test of time. It will become a basic textbook for future generations of lawyers. Book Reviews (Continued from page 270)

A major consultancy report commissioned on behalf of the Land Registry was completed in 1991. As a result of this, it is probable that the Land Registry will increase its use of computers in the years ahead. This should include an extension of folio and case record computerisation to the other regions of the Registry. of these sheets for inspection and copying together with constant recompilation of Registry details means that they have an average life span of 2 to 2Vi years before they require revision. Given the regularity and scale of this revision process, it is expected that consideration will be given to a transfer of Land Registry mapping details to an automated graphical format linked to the computerised folio. Development and expansion of the systems in both Registries is progressing. This will result in speedier service and will also allow for the possibility of introducing some means of direct access by practitioners to both databases. The Technology Advisory Group is an informal grouping of solicitors who, with the approval of the Technology Committee of the Law Society, seek to promote awareness of and the use of technology within the profession. Further details are available from the Honorary Secretary: John Furlong, c/o William Fry, Solicitors, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2. • The Land Registry stores over 30,000 ordnance survey sheets. Heavy usage

C-C.R. Legal Agents Provide Professional and Comprehensive Service in Castle, Four Courts, Land Registry and all other associated offices Fully Indemnified 23 24 We l l i n g t on Q u a \ . D u b l in 2. Telephone: 679 4926/7 Fax: 6794928.

Eamonn G. Hall

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