Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
467. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to make changes to the Building Control Act; if he is considering a proposal received by a body (details supplied) in this regard; when decisions will be made following consideration of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 introduced a system of statutory registration for architects and restricted use of the title architect to persons who are registered architects. Section 22 of the Act makes specific provision for registration based on technical assessment of persons who had been independently performing duties commensurate with those of an architect for a period of 10 or more years in the State prior to the commencement of the Act.
In addition to the provision set out above, Section 14(2)(f) of the Act provides a permanent route to registration for practically trained persons who have 7 years appropriate practical experience and who have passed a prescribed register admission examination (PRAE). There is currently one PRAE available, provided by ARAE Ltd.
I have met with representatives of the organisation referred to on a number of occasions, as part of my efforts to resolve any issues arising in a manner which is acceptable to all parties. The most recent meeting took place on 13 April 2017. My Department and the RIAI, as registration body, are committed to continuing to work with the organisation in question and all other stakeholders to achieve whatever further reasonable and practical improvements in registration arrangements can be made.
