I propose to take Questions Nos. 690 and 703 together.
New Building Control Regulations have come into effect on 1 March 2014 requiring, inter alia, that statutory certificates of compliance be given by construction professionals in respect of the design and construction of new buildings.
The statutory certificates of compliance must be signed by a registered professional i.e. a person who is included on the statutory registers of architects or building surveyors maintained in accordance with the Building Control Act 2007 or on the register of chartered engineers established under the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (Charter Amendment) Act 1969. Architects, Building Surveyors and Chartered Engineers are the construction professions typically involved in the design of construction works in Ireland and reference to these professions in regulation is entirely appropriate.
Depending on their personal circumstances, it may be open to persons who are members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and who possess the requisite experience and competence in the design of buildings, to seek inclusion on one of the statutory registers referred to, which would enable a person to sign statutory certificates of compliance as provided for under the new regulations.
There is no question of persons who are not included on the statutory registers being permitted to sign statutory certificates of compliance.