Question:
344 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation on the registration of building professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3454/00]
Written Answers. - Registration of Building Professions.
The 1997 Report of the Strategic Review Committee on the Construction Industry recommended that the titles of "architect" and "quantity surveyor" be protected by legislation. The Forum for the Construction Industry (FCI) established a task force to develop the details of the proposed registration system in partnership with representatives of the various architectural and surveying bodies.
Definitive proposals for registration, as agreed by the representative professional bodies and the FCI, were submitted to my Department in late 1999. The proposals provided that the title of "building surveyor" be included in the proposed legislation.
The FCI has also submitted an interim report setting out preliminary details for the proposed registration of contractors-sub-contractors. My Department is now considering this report, the implementation of which will require legislation to protect the title of "registered contractor". The process of consulting other Departments will be undertaken with a view to arriving at a decision as soon as possible on the proposed legislation.