Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 9, between lines 39 and 40, to insert the following:

"(g) to provide easy access to the Registry of Deeds, as set out in Part 3 of this Act, for members of the public and the legal professions alike, and to put in place such facilities, or to remain open such hours, as the Authority shall determine, for the provision of that access.".

This proposal was discussed on Committee Stage and the Minister said there was no need to include it in the legislation. While I accept that we live in changing times which places new demands on the public service, this Bill will have a significant effect on commercial and private business. Many young people are involved in property deals and any delay can be expensive. It is important that the authority is run in a customer-friendly way and is open for hours that are suitable for individuals and businesses that want to deal with it. If the Minister agrees to emphasise this to the authority or include it in its terms of reference I will withdraw the amendment.

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