asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to introduce legislation to provide for the registration of architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Registration of Architects.
21.
asked the Minister for Education if he proposes to introduce legislation to provide for the registration of architects in Ireland having regard to the present situation within the European Economic Community; and the proposals for self certification by architects and others in relation to implementation of the draft building regulations.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
I have no proposals under consideration at present for the introduction of legislation to provide for the registration of architects. I understand that prior to October 1979 negotiations were taking place between the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy and the various bodies concerned but that agreement could not be reached in the matter. As the Deputy is aware, the draft EEC directive in the field of architecture has been under discussion since 1967 and is still under consideration.
In relation to the draft building regulations I understand from the Minister for the Environment that the proposed system of control to administer the building regulations is based on a system of certification and that these proposals have not yet been finalised.
This question was, in fact, put down to the Minister for the Environment but has been transferred to the Minister's Department. Since Government Departments—irrespective of whatever politician has the misfortune to be responsible for them—seem to be reluctant to take up this matter, and since it has now been foisted upon the Minister for Education, and since a real problem arises regarding building regulations, could I ask the Minister if he will undertake to give a clear indication as to when the question of certification/registration will be effectively dealt with?
I will certainly give an undertaking to the Deputy to have the matter examined urgently. I read through the history of it and one gets the impression that there is no great sense of speed or urgency on the part of a number of the other members of the community. So I am not in a position to say how quickly they can be brought to subscribe to some community decision in the matter.
Can I take it that the Minister and his Department now have responsibility for registration?
Yes.
Question No. 23 postponed.