asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the qualifications and experience, if any, required by persons appointed by boards of health to the position of clerks of works on housing schemes; whether his Department have sanctioned the appointments of "handy men" to such vacancies, and whether he will issue an order to local authorities to appoint only persons with the required qualifications and experience.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clerks of Works on Housing Schemes.
The minimum qualifications and experience required from persons seeking employment as clerks of works on housing schemes promoted by boards of health are contained in Rule 48 (2) of the Labourers (Ireland) Order, 1912, viz.:—
"The following persons shall be deemed eligible for employment as clerks of works to act under the direction and control of an architect or engineer qualified as aforesaid with respect to supervision of works: Builders' foremen, building tradesmen, or persons who have acted as clerks of works, and who can satisfy the Minister that they possess satisfactory testimonials as to competency, character, and general fitness for the post."
In many cases persons possessing higher qualifications, such as engineering or architectural degrees, have been appointed.
I am not aware of sanction having been expressed to the employment of clerks of works by boards of health unless they possessed the minimum qualifications prescribed.