Deputy Michael McCarthy has called on Minister Hogan to consider the inclusion of a typical, self- extinguishing 'grandfather' clause in defining the term of Architect in the Building Control Act 2007.

His comments come on foot of a report he launched yesterday as Chair of the Oireachtas Environment Committee on the Registration of the Title of Architect, which outlines a number of recommendations on the registration of the title of architect in Ireland.

Mr McCarthy said: "The Building Control Act 2007 established for the first time in Irish law regulation of the use of the titles of 'Architect', 'Quantity Surveyor' and 'Building Surveyor'. Prior to this, the use of the title of 'Architect' was unregulated in Ireland, and no formal qualifications were required before a person could set up practice. This was the source of a great deal of criticism from professional bodies in these fields who asserted that some clients were being put at risk from 'cowboy' operators. One particular criticism was that individuals outside the professional bodies were not subject to any disciplinary controls.

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"This Act responded to these criticisms by establishing for the first time a system to control the use of the title of 'Architect', restricting the use to individuals who are deemed to be qualified and whose names are maintained on a statutory register. Holders of certain formal qualifications are entitled to automatic registration however, this presented problems for other Irish architects who were practically trained—i.e. had several years’ practical experience—but did not meet either of the prescribed conditions and accordingly were not entitled to practice elsewhere.

"Our hearings on this issue have been very challenging and the Committee has sought in its report to balance the interests of the various parties, while at the same time recognising the importance of maintaining high standards in the profession of Architect.

"This report draws together a number of recommendations that will allow practitioners to engage in a process whereby they can demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to be awarded the title of Architect, crucially without unnecessary expense or undue delay."

(CD/MH)