Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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532. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to severe customer service delays in the Property Registration Authority; his views on whether the current customer service delays in relation to contacting the PRA are acceptable; if he has discussed these with the PRA; the steps that are being taken to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1029/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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In common with many other public service organisations, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) continues to deal with the adverse impact that COVID-19 has had on service delivery. Despite the PRA implementing innovative ways to deliver its registration services throughout the period of restrictions, an accumulation of applications for registration inevitably arose.

Conversely, the level of property transactions has remained strong and the PRA has experienced a significant uptake in applications received. In 2022, for example, intake of all applications increased by 10% when measured against 2021 and 2.5% against intake in 2019. Despite staffing shortages in 2022, overall registrations exceeded 2021 by 12% which was broadly similar to the level achieved in 2019. Notwithstanding this level of output, there has been an increase of applications on hand in certain areas.

Similar to other organisations, the PRA has experienced significant challenges in recruitment and continues to engage with the Public Appointments Service to fulfill its staffing requirements. These challenges are ongoing in a tight labour market environment and the PRA is very keenly aware that customers are experiencing consequent delays in some areas whilst it awaits the appointment of new staff members.

Every effort is being made by the PRA to reduce application processing times under a targeted service delivery programme. Improvements have been made in throughput times, in particular in relation to cases not requiring mapping. I am confident that as the required staff are successfully on-boarded, the PRA will be in a position to achieve its goal of reducing waiting times across all registration services.

Progress continues to be made also on the uptake of e-Registration services, including digital transfers (sales) and charges (mortgages). The pre-lodgement of some information on e-Registration means the processing of the application can be carried out more efficiently with fewer errors in documentation lodged. The PRA continues to promote digital first services as the preferred registration method to all its stakeholders as a means of further enhancing service delivery.

The PRA is always willing to expedite cases where valid grounds exist, such as a pending sale or financial hardship. Lodging parties may contact the PRA in relation to a specific case by email at info@prai.ie.

In addition to this, arrangements are in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Information in relation to a specific application may be obtained by emailing reps@prai.ie.