Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

The Minister cannot accept this amendment because it provides for operational matters rather than the authority's statutory functions. The Registry of Deeds and the Land Registry will be managed by the property registration authority which will be responsible for administrative matters such as the opening hours of offices. It is neither necessary nor appropriate to include provisions for matters such as opening hours in primary legislation.

The Minister is, however, sympathetic to the concerns underlying the amendment and expects the authority to take full advantage of information and communication technology in the development of its services especially on-line access where appropriate.

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