Finian McGrath
Ceist:1447 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [32021/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 September 2010
Ceisteanna (1361, 1362, 1363, 1364)
Phil Hogan
Ceist:1458 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 or move the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 published by Deputy John O’Donoghue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32170/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael Ring
Ceist:1486 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will move a Bill (details supplied) or amend the 2007 Act with particular reference to a certain clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32938/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Alan Shatter
Ceist:1491 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Private Members’ Bill published by Deputy O’Donoghue to amend the Building Control Act 2007; if he intends to introduce his own Bill further addressing the registration of architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33034/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1447, 1458, 1486 and 1491 together.
Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 sets out the detailed requirements for registration of the title of "Architect". Section 14 of the Act sets out the eligibility criteria for registration in the statutory register of architects. It also includes a provision to address the position of practically trained persons in that it includes a category for those who have been assessed as eligible for registration by the Technical Assessment Board in accordance with the practical experience assessment procedure, that is practising architecture for a minimum period of 10 years in the State.
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, which is designated as registration body for Architects under the Building Control Act 2007, has established an Admissions Board and a Technical Assessment Board so that the registration process may commence in the near future. The RIAI has appointed architects to the boards and I have appointed the Chairpersons and non-architect majority to both boards. Section 22 of the Act sets out the procedures for the operation of the Technical Assessment Board.
The Act provides for an appeal against a decision of the Technical Assessment Board to an Appeals Board which will be appointed shortly. The Appeals Board will also have an independent Chairperson and a majority of lay members. An appeal to the High Court can also ultimately be made against a decision of the Appeals Board or any other Board or Committee.
I have no plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 at present. Much time and effort has gone into the design and implementation of the statutory registration process and I believe that, once fully operational, the merits of the process will become evident.