asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the hardship inflicted on persons having dealings with registered lands occasioned by the delay that takes place in the office of the Land Registry; whether he is aware that these delays are due to understaffing in the Land Registry, and whether in view of the importance to the public of completing these dealings expeditiously he will take steps to augment the staff without delay.

I understand that the present authorised staffing of the Registration of Title Office is sufficient to enable the work to be kept up to date, but that some arrears have accrued owing to a number of vacancies which have recently arisen by death or retirement. Steps are being taken to expedite the filling of these vacancies.