Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 6 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 3

Written Answers. - Architects Review System

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

130 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to establish a review system for architects whose work has been traditionally accepted in this country, but who are not covered by the EC Architects Directive; the form the review will take; and if he will ensure that such architects are admitted to the list of architects which is to be prepared by him.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

A proposal has been submitted to the EC Commission to amend the Architects Directive in order to bring under its protection persons whose established right to practice, and consequently their right to the protection of the Directive, was overlooked when the Directive was being negotiated. The proposed amendment would allow for the issue of a certificate by the Minister for the Environment that the person concerned had, over a period of at least five years immediately prior to the date of coming into force of the Directive, pursued architectural activities the nature and importance of which, in the opinion of the Minister, gave that person an established right to pursue those activities. The number of persons involved would be relatively small.

Pending amendment of the Directive, and in order to protect their position in the meantime, a list will now be prepared of those persons who would have the requisite experience to qualify for certification under the proposed amendment. To this end, I have already decided that persons with the requisite length of experience who, on the date of coming into force of the Directive, were members of the Irish Architects' Society or were corporate architect members of the Irish Branch of the Architects and Surveyors Institute or of the Irish Branch of the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, by virtue of such membership, would have been included in the Directive had their position not been overlooked accordingly, would qualify for certification. The claims of others to have the necessary experience to qualify for certification under the amended Directive will be reviewed on an individual basis. Details of the review procedure have not yet been finalised.