Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations. I apologise for arriving a little late. The witnesses made a strong case for the benefits to consumers and all stakeholders, including Government, of e-conveyancing. A great deal of work has been done and we have heard about buy-in, albeit less buy-in on the part of some parties. What is the next step to further the project? From some of the presentations and documentation, it is not anticipated that major legislative changes will be required, but am I right in believing that it will require a Government decision?

My next question follows Deputy Corcoran Kennedy's point. I presume that Teranet has made an arrangement or is working with the Law Society. If this project were to proceed, would Teranet's contract not be with the Government or the PRA? I am not clear on the structure that would need to be in place for this to be rolled out. If it is a Government structure, lenders and the banking federation, whatever their reservations, would simply have to sign up. Could this proceed in the absence of a statutory framework or regulatory decision?