Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Section 3 of the Conveyancing Act 1881 provides, subject to certain exceptions, that a purchaser is precluded from acquiring productions of any title documents stated or made before the time prescribed by law or stipulated in the contract for the commencement of the title or from making requisitions, objections or inquiry as to such prior title. The Law Society of Ireland's standard contract for sale contains provisions of a similar nature. These provisions are intended to facilitate effective conveyancing of land while at the same time protecting the interests of purchasers. I am not aware of any concerns on the part of the Law Society of Ireland on section 56(1). It simply restates the law in accordance with modern practice. If there is an issue I will examine it between now and Report Stage.