Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012
401. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists are excluded from certifying building works; if he will allow CIAT representatives to meet with him to discuss the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44184/12]
View answer417. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the present draft of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012 will prevent competent professionals such as Chartered Architectural Technologists from certifying the construction of buildings and if he will consider including all competent professions in the list of Assigned Certifiers which is now restricted to only three groups of privileged professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44518/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 417 together.
Under the proposed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012, provision is made for the introduction of mandatory certificates of compliance by the builders and the designers of buildings confirming that the statutory requirements of the Building Regulations have been met. In addition, the regulations also provide that building owners will be required to assign registered professionals to inspect works during construction and also to certify that completed buildings are in compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations .
The roles of lead designer and assigned certifier may only be undertaken by competent persons who are included on the registers of Architects or Building Surveyors as provided for under the Building Control Act 2007 or who are Chartered Engineers under the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Charter Amendment) Act 1969.
I understand that, depending on their personal circumstances, it may be open to members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) to seek inclusion on one or other of the registers of Architects or Building Surveyors. My Department has already held discussions with representatives from the CIAT in relation to this matter and would be willing to meet with CIAT to discuss the issue further if requested.
