Architects Register

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Ceisteanna (246)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

246. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on whether there is a shortage of architectural practices located outside of large cities. [21901/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

The Building Control Act 2007 provides for a statutory register of architects. This Act confers certain powers on the Minister in respect of the statutory system of registration for architects, such as the appointment of Chairpersons and certain ordinary members of the Admissions Board, the Appeals Board and the Technical Assessment Board.  The Minister has no statutory role in relation to provision of architectural services beyond the powers in relation to registration conferred by this Act.

Architectural practices are private businesses and may establish their business wherever they see fit. Furthermore the location of an architectural practice does not preclude them from providing services in locations other than their place of establishment.