As Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage I have no function in relation to this question.
I understand that the Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies is the central location for the submission of all statutory information on the Beneficial Ownership of Irish companies and Industrial and Provident Societies under the EU’s 4th and 5th Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Directive. The Central Register of Beneficial Ownership falls within the remit of the Companies Registration Office (CRO). The CRO operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
In regard to a public register of beneficial ownership for property, the National Land Register maintained by Tailte Éireann, a public body under the aegis of my Department, is conclusive evidence of legal ownership (title) of property in Ireland. Under the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 [S.I. 27 of 2009] (the 2009 Act) the only registration that can be applied for is registration as full owners. The only legal title that can be created or disposed of are freehold and leasehold estates. Equitable interests or beneficial interests are not registerable under the 2009 Act.
There is no legal barrier to register ownership of property in Ireland for non-resident persons. An address for service of notice within the State is required for registration purposes. Legal Office Notice 1 of 1995 from Tailte Éireann sets out further requirements for registration as owner of a folio for a company incorporated outside the state.
