358. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current average length of time taken by Tailte Éireann to process applications for the first registration of land or property titles; and the measures being taken to reduce processing times. [66882/26]

Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Under section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.

It is not possible to provide an average time for processing applications for first registration on the National Land Register as each application is different and processing times vary as a result.

Applications for first registration of title account for approximately 12% of Tailte Éireann’s overall intake. First registration applications may be complex and diverse, and the first registration process often identifies issues on title or missing deeds. Once a title is registered it is guaranteed under State indemnification provisions and each application must satisfy all legal requirements prior to proceeding to registration.

Average processing times therefore vary depending on the type of application lodged. Applications for first registration on Form 3 of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021 which are certified by a solicitor and lodged in order, typically have substantially shorter processing times than those cases requiring an Examination of Title on Form 1 or Form 2 and where first registration is based on possession. These applications often involve clarifying queries, issuance of notices and dealing with objections, which can extend processing times significantly.

To note, in accordance with Rule 58(1) of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021, applications rank for priority of registration in the order in which they are received by Tailte Éireann. This ensures fairness to all customers as applications are processed in date of lodgement order, with the earliest lodged applications given priority for processing. A targeted approach by Tailte Éireann to reduce the age profile of applications pending has had a significant impact to date and organisation wide efforts continue to further reduce processing times for all Tailte Éireann customers. This is reflected in the significant increase in the number of applications processed and completed year-on-year in the past three years.

A dedicated First Registration Validation Unit was established in April 2026 in the Roscommon office to address the high proportion of applications which were lodged with avoidable errors which prevented the application progressing to registration. It is important to note that there has been no change made to the reasons why an application is rejected. Tailte Éireann Registration complete initial validation checks within 15 working days of receipt of an application. The Validation Unit provides an efficient and consistent validation experience for all applicants and ensures that applications meet the basic minimum requirements for lodgement prior to moving forward for processing.

The validation process involves passing each application through a series of pre-defined checks specific to the application type. Those checklists are all available on www.Tailte.ie. Where an application fails to meet the minimum requirements to proceed to registration, the application is returned immediately to the lodging party for amendment. Where the minimum requirements have been met, the application will pass through the validation unit and will be placed in date of lodgement order for processing in the Unit relevant to the application type. Clarifying queries may be raised during any of the processing stages following validation.

In 2026 to date, 61% of all applications for First Registration lodged failed to meet the basic minimum requirements set out on the relevant checklists and have been returned to the lodging party for amendment.

Lodgement of inaccurate or incomplete applications creates an administrative burden for Tailte Éireann. It is work that must be processed by staff and takes resources which could be better utilised in the efficient processing of applications which are lodged correctly.

Tailte Éireann launched its Accelerated Recruitment Programme in early 2024 to address vacancies, increase operational capacity, and respond to sustained increase in service demand. The programme introduced standardised recruitment processes across internal, external and mobility streams to ensure a consistent and efficient approach to staffing.

The resourcing team has successfully filled key roles across the organisation through a combination of external recruitment, promotions, and mobility placements. As a result, vacancy levels within registration services have reduced significantly and now stand at just over 3%. The dedicated resourcing plan remains a key component of Tailte Éireann’s approach to reducing registration processing times and progressing registration applications on hand toward completion. The Registration Function is currently progressing 36 further roles through ongoing recruitment competitions, clearance and appointment stages. When these appointments are finalised, the Registration Function will be substantially strengthened, supporting increased throughput, improved service delivery and the continued reduction of registration applications on hand.

Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members on behalf of constituents by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.