Mr. Patrick Dorgan:

I will deal with the policy mandate which exists for e-conveyancing. As has been referred to, e-conveyancing was recommended by the Law Reform Commission in 2006 and endorsed by the Government in the recent 2020 construction strategy, which acknowledged the work done to date on this project under the aegis of the Law Society. The European Commission in its 2014 Assessment of the National Reform and Stability Programme for Ireland urged e-conveyancing to be progressed and identified it as an important factor in improving Ireland’s business environment. The project aligns with and facilitates implementation of the Public Sector Reform Plan, eGovernment strategy 2012–2015, which will enhance Ireland’s reputation as a leader in e-Government and e-commerce, improve our international ranking in property benchmarks, contribute to the green agenda and deliver efficiencies in revenue collection and electronic funds transfer thereby increasing Ireland’s competitiveness.

The transformation to e-conveyancing also fits with the streamlining of Government land administration services through the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Valuation Office and Property Registration Authority into Tailte Éireann. The Department of Justice and Equality is the lead Government Department for this initiative. While the Property Registration Authority has made great strides in advancing the electronic registration element of the process, and these initiatives have been actively supported by the Law Society and its members, much remains to be done to achieve full e-conveyancing.

The support across the board for this project is not surprising as it is a simple, innovative and effective approach to modernisation that is being achieved in other common law jurisdictions such as Australia, Scotland and Canada, which have realised the strategic benefits. These include the opportunity for inward investment and benefits for all owners and investors in the property sector. Implementation is achievable only if the funding and mortgaging aspect of the conveyancing transaction is included. The Law Society would like to see the lenders commit fully to the implementation of this modernisation program and work with the Law Society, the Property Registration Authority, Tailte Éireann and all the other players to make e-conveyancing a reality for the benefit of Irish consumers in recognition of the fact that this project is one of critical national importance and has core Government and cross-party support. We shall be pleased to assist the committee in its deliberations.