Architectural Qualifications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2012

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Questions (349, 350, 351, 352)

Brian Stanley

Question:

354 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the EC clarification on the grandfathering clause aimed at allowing persons who have several years’ experience of practising as an architect but who do not have a formal college qualification to be admitted to the official register of architects; if he intends legislating for the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15088/12]

Finian McGrath

Question:

356 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence regarding a grandfathering clause for architects (details supplied) [15090/12]

Seán Kenny

Question:

363 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to review the Building Control Act 2007. [15287/12]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

390 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the European Commission clarification (details supplied) on the grandfather clause for unregistered architects; if he acknowledges the significance of the clarification with regards to architect legislation; if he accepts there is a need to address this clarification immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15636/12]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 354, 356, 363 and 390 together.

I am aware of the response given by the European Commission on 21 February 2012 to Question No. E-012450/2011 in the European Parliament. I am satisfied that the Building Control Act 2007 is in keeping with the requirements of relevant EU legislation and, in particular, the provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC as regards the free movement of workers within the single market and the recognition by Member States of the qualifications of individuals from other Member States.

I refer to the reply to Question No 27 of 30 November 2011 which sets out the arrangements already in place under the Building Control Act 2007 for the registration of practically trained persons as architects. To date 31 practically trained persons have been deemed eligible for inclusion on the register of architects. Of these, 6 underwent the technical assessment process and 25 underwent the register admission examination.

I have no plans to amend the Act along the lines suggested. I would encourage members of the alliance to pursue the routes to registration which are currently open to them with a view to joining the small and growing numbers of practically trained architects already on the register.