10/05/2013

 Architects' Alliance of Ireland lodged a submission in relation to the independent review for the registration of professionally trained architects. The submission was sent to Garrett Fennell Solicitor on the 10th of May 2013.

 16/04/2013

 The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government,  Mr  Phil Hogan, T.D., has recently asked Garrett Fennell Solicitor to conduct an independent review of the arrangements for the registration of Architects under the Building Control Act 2007. Garrett Fennell is currently serving as chairperson of the Admissions Board established for the Statutory Register.

The terms of reference to the Review are as follows:

1.  To carry out an independent review of the arrangements generally for the registration of  Architects under the Building Control Act 2007
2.  To take stock of the overall experience to date in relation to the operation of the registration system with a view to seeing how the system can be further improved.
3.  Having regard to the lower than expected number of applications from practically trained architects, to review and make specific recommendation on how the registration of practically trained architects can be better encouraged.

The AAoI and anyone concerned are invited to make a submission for consideration which should be returned by email on or before 10 May 2013 to architectsreview@environ.ie . It would be appreciated if submissions could be kept as brief as possible  and directly relate to the matters covered by the terms of reference of the review stating the concern or view held and whatever remedies you would recommend to address it.  A brief covering letter outlining any relevant matters you wish to bring to Garrett Fennell's attention may also be included.  Following an analysis of the submissions it may be necessary to meet with some stakeholders to explore in more detail or otherwise clarify the content of their submissions.  You should be advised that any information submitted will be subject to the Freedom of Information Acts and may be placed in the public domain. Administrative assistance in relation to this review will be provided by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government but Garrett Fennell Solicitor's consideration, treatment and report on the issues raised will be prepared in line with the Terms of Reference and independently of the Department and the registration body.

 12/03/2013

 Dara Calleary TD (Mayo, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 465: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007, by including a genuine grandfather clause, in order to take special consideration of the situation of long standing practitioners in the field of architecture, who do not, at present hold the necessary accreditation.

 07/03/2013

 Seán Kyne TD (Galway West, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the progress, if any, of his request that his Department work with the registration body as envisaged under the Building Control Act and the proposed Building Control Amendment Regulations to ensure that those working as architects, with many years of experience, are not excluded from the professions owing to the new qualification requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 set out statutory arrangements for the registration of Architects. There are no new qualifications requirements. A variety of routes to registration are provided for in the Act, including specific provision for the registration of practically trained persons who have no formal academic qualifications or education. I share the concerns of those who feel that the number of applications to date from practically-trained architects is less than might reasonably be expected notwithstanding the provision in that regard in the Act. I have recently asked Mr Garret Fennell, Solicitor, who is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Admissions Board relevant to the register of Architects, to carry out an independent review of the experience to date in relation to the operation of the register with a view to identifying any further improvements that can be made at this point. I have particularly asked for his recommendations or views on how the registration of practically trained architects can be further encouraged.

 28/02/2013

 Clare Daly TD (Dublin North, Socialist Party), PQ 177: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012, as per draft available on his Department's website, will allow one person to design, construct and certify a building and his views on whether this is reasonable to ensure public safety.

 26/02/2013

 Billy Timmins TD (Wicklow, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 434: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding concerns at the proposed changes to the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Phil Hogan): I propose to take Questions Nos. 429, 430 and 434 together. I am currently finalising the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2013 for signature into law following a comprehensive public consultation process undertaken in 2012. Persons who are on the registers of Architects and Building Surveyors established in accordance with the Building Control Act 2007 or who are Chartered Engineers may sign the statutory certificates of compliance for designers and for assigned certifiers that will be introduced under the new regulations. Depending on their background and experience , members of the Architects Alliance may qualify for consideration for inclusion on the register of Architects or on the register of Building Surveyors which, as indicated, would also enable them to sign the statutory certificates being introduced under the new regulations. The new regulations will provide for a transition period of 12 months which will, among other things, give sufficient time for eligible persons who have not already done so to apply for registration. The transition period will also provide for a smooth transition to the new requirements in terms of projects currently on site. The arrangements for the registration of Architects and Building Surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007 are open, transparent and fair for potential candidates from a variety of backgrounds including those who are practically trained and have limited or no academic training or qualifications. I am satisfied that the statutory arrangements for registration that are currently in place are appropriate and I have no proposals to amend the Act presently. I understand that the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Arts and Culture has recently been giving some consideration to the arrangements that are in place for t the registration of practically trained architects under the Act of 2007. I look forward to considering the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations in due course. My own view as outlined above is that the existing statutory position is fair and reasonable but that it may be opportune at this point to consider what practical steps can be taken to facilitate and support practically trained people who are interested in doing so to pursue the opportunities for registration that are open to them under the Act. I have asked my Department, in conjunction with the RIAI as registration body for the Register of Architects, to meet with members of the Architects Alliance to discuss further the concerns raised in the correspondence supplied.

 26/02/2013

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD (Dublin Central, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 430: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will defer signing the new Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012 until the report from the Environment Committee is published; if he will give due consideration to the Alliance paper (details supplied) and non-registered architects' concerns over the pending legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9551/13]

 26/02/2013

 Billy Timmins TD (Wicklow, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 429: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding concerns at the proposed changes to the Building Control Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 26/02/2013

 Éamon Ó Cuív TD (Galway West, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Community Affairs)to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 439: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a provision for a grandfather clause under the Building Control Bill and its regulations to ensure that persons with experience and a long standing reputation in the business may continue to operate as architects and use that title; and in particular that they will be qualified to provide building certification services under the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 20/02/2013

 Clare Daly TD (Dublin North, Socialist Party) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 173: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, if he will give consideration to the submission from the Architects Alliance regarding self certification which was submitted on 14 February 2013.

 20/02/2013

 Clare Daly TD (Dublin North, Socialist Party) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, if he will defer the signing of new building control regulations until he receives the paper from the Environment Committee.

 14/02/2013

 Terence Flanagan TD (Dublin North East, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 247: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he is planning to sign the Statutory Instrument that will introduce the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 06/02/2013

 Finian McGrath TD (Dublin North Central, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 139: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) relating to the Building Control Bill.

 06/02/2013

 Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD (Kildare South, Fianna Fáil Whip; Spokesperson on Constitutional Reform; Arts and Culture, and Defence) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 05/02/2013

 Gerry Adams TD (Louth, Sinn Féin), PQ 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered amending the Building Control Act 2007 by including a grandfather clause to deal with issues affecting long standing practitioners in the field of architecture who do not hold the necessary official certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 05/12/2012

 Senator Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Public Expenditure) to Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government: I am delighted to have this opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment and thank my colleagues for not availing of the opportunity too often, which lets me in by default much of the time. This issue relates to the proposal for a so-called grandfather clause with regard to people who can practise as architects. What is the Government doing on this issue? This has been an issue for some time, but the current registration process is time limited and concerns people who are not members of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland but who effectively do the same job and get the same recognition. I understand this has become more of an issue as banks have tightened up with regard to who can certify planning permission applications, certificates of compliance with building regulations and other general structural assessments of property. It is only right that banks tighten up on this, as there has been too much laxity in recent years. However, there are many people who can do the same job as an officially qualified architect and who have been recognised as qualified until now. What is the Government position on this situation, because there are many practitioners who do not have the official qualifications who are finding the current situation very difficult?

 05/12/2012

 Senator Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Public Expenditure) I thank the Minister of State for (his) clarification, but I intend to pursue the issue. The registration fee is very high and only a small number of people have gone through the process. Making the process more accessible would not just help those who would qualify under the process but would also help consumers.

 28/11/2012

 Terence Flanagan TD (Dublin North East, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act to address the grandfather clause whereby trained and qualified architects who are effectively being prevented from registering to use that title due to the excessive registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 28/10/2012

 The Alliance issued an introductory paper on the Grandfather Clause to the Environment Committee (see DATA page).

 10/10/2012

 The Working Group established by the Joint Committee on the Environment held its first meeting today.

 10/10/2012

 Former Chair of the Environment Committee, Ciarán Lynch TD, was elected Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform.

 09/10/2012

 Deputy Michael McCarthy accepted his nomination as the new Chair of the Environment Committee:- "I am delighted that Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has chosen me to chair this important and interesting committee. I look forward to taking up this position shortly and to working on the extensive programme of work that will be required by the new role."

 07/10/2012

 A third complaint against RIAI Limited is being examined by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

 13/09/2012

 Nessa Childers MEP received this answer from Mr Barnier on behalf of the European Commission (ref E-007522/2012) : - The Commission has proposed that new minimum training requirements become the basis for automatic recognition of architectural qualifications two years after the deadline for the transposition of the amended Directive. Architects eligible for automatic recognition under the current rules whose training started before that date would benefit from an acquired rights regime.

 28/08/2012

 Nessa Childers MEP received this answer from Mr Barnier on behalf of the European Commission (ref P-007738/2012) : - Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications only concerns professionals who wish to move to another Member State. It does not apply when they seek to practice in the same country in which they obtained their qualifications. The Commission's joint answer to questions E-012450/2011 and E-000673/2012 reflects this principle in stating that persons who do not meet the minimum training requirements of Article 46 "would not be able to benefit from the automatic recognition of their qualifications in another Member State". The solution is different for a few health professions, such as doctors, according to Article 21 (6) of Directive 2005/36/EC. Consequently, the Directive does not restrict the terms of any national law provisions applicable to architects qualified in the territory of the Member State in question.

 22/08/2012

 Phil Prendergast MEP received an answer from Mr Barnier on behalf of the European Commission (ref E-007478/2012): - The Commission is aware of a number of questions with regards to the compatibility of the Irish Building Control Act 2007 with EU law. It has already undertaken a detailed investigation which is on-going. In this context, the Commission will also consider all the points raised by the Honourable Member and will inform the Honourable Member of the outcome as soon as possible.

 19/07/2012

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD (Dublin Central, Independent), PQ 488: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that legislation in countries such as France and the Netherlands provided automatic registration to self-taught architects through acquired rights; his views on whether self-taught architects from Ireland are discriminated on in this instance; and his plans to remedy this problem.

 18/07/2012

 James Bannon TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael), PQ 224: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the registration arrangement currently provided for in the Building Control Act 2007 in respect of the grandfather clause relating to practically trained persons providing architectural services here; if he is prepared to allow the Architects’ Alliance of Ireland the opportunity to address this issues; the way this may be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 17/07/2012

 The Joint Committee on the Environment agreed to establish an informal working group to request the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to take special consideration of the situation of long-standing practitioners in the field of architecture who do not, at present, hold the necessary official certification. That he work with all the stakeholders to provide a solution, on a strictly once-off basis, whereby these practitioners can have their skills assessed and where these are found to be of the required standard, can be duly certified. That he ensure that relevant experience, gained abroad, is included in the process, subject of course to it being relevant and verifiable. That he ensure that this process is open, fair and transparent and that the costs involved are reduced to the minimum possible and that any unnecessary costs, administration and red tape are avoided.

The Committee agreed the informal working group would be comprised of:
Deputy Luke Flanagan IND; Deputy Sandra McLellan SF; Deputy Gerald Nash LAB; Senator Cáit Keane FG.

 04/07/2012

 Dominic Hannigan TD (Meath East, Labour), PQ 188: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the Building Control Act and its regulation of the architecture profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 03/07/2012

 The Joint Committee on the Environment invited the RIAI and Architects’ Alliance to debate on the registration of self-taught architects who are still the subjects of discriminative procedures. The committee was informed by Anthony M. Collins S.C., expert in European Law, that a grandfather clause for architects would not be in breach of European Law.

 06/06/2012

 Terence Flanagan TD PQ 602: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 03/05/2012

 Arthur Spring TD (Kerry, North-West Limerick, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 496: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government - when he will appoint nominations to an independent Professional Conduct Committee in view of the fact that legislation was introduced in the Building Control Act in 2008 to provide for the establishment of the Professional Conduct Committee on a statutory basis to deal with the registration and regulation of architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 27/04/2012

 An important members' meeting of the Architects' Alliance of Ireland has been called for the 12th May 2012.

 17/04/2012

 The Environment Joint Oireachtas Committee, in response to the European Commissioner's February statement, decided to invite the Alliance to make a second presentation.

 14/04/2012

 The public consultation process began in regard to the proposed Certification Regime (prompted by the Priory Hall debacle). The deadline for receipt of submissions and comments is 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, 24th May 2012.

 29/03/2012

 The European Ombudsman is investigating a decision from the European Commission in respect of sections 21 and 22 of the Building Control Act 2007. The requirement for 10 years of experience to be gained fully in the Republic of Ireland is one of the criteria for registration through the Technical Assessment and it appears to be the subject of the investigation. It is claimed by a complainant that the national restriction imposed on experience is in breach of European Law as it discriminates against workers from other European States.

 28/03/2012

 Sandra McLellan TD (Cork East, Sinn Féin) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 189: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the grandfathering clause for architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 27/03/2012

 Gerry Adams TD (Louth, Sinn Féin) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 414: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government he will consider an amendment to the Building Control Act 2007 to allow the inclusion of a Grandfather clause in the legislation to facilitate architects who are not members of the RIAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 21/03/2012

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 390: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the European Commission clarification (details supplied) on the grandfather clause for unregistered architects; if he acknowledges the significance of the clarification with regards to architect legislation; if he accepts there is a need to address this clarification immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 21/03/2012

 Seán Kenny TD (Dublin North East, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 363: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to review the Building Control Act 2007.

 21/03/2012

 Finian McGrath TD (Dublin North Central, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence regarding a grandfathering clause for architects (details supplied)

 21/03/2012

 Brian Stanley TD (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Féin) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 354: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the EC clarification on the grandfathering clause aimed at allowing persons who have several years' experience of practising as an architect but who do not have a formal college qualification to be admitted to the official register of architects; if he intends legislating for the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 15/03/2012

 Clare Daly TD (Dublin North, Socialist Party) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 91: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, noting the European Commission response to Question E-012450/2011 regarding the right of building designers whose qualifications do not meet the Article 46 requirements (BCA 2007) to use the title architect in this State, including any persons whose qualifications would be subject to a grandfather clause, if he will amend BCA 2007 to include a grandfather clause for members of an organisation (details supplied).

 15/03/2012

 Clare Daly TD (Dublin North, Socialist Party) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 90: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, noting the European Commission response to Question E-012450/2011 regarding the right of building designers whose qualifications do not meet the Article 46 requirements (BCA 2007) to use the title architect in this State, including any persons whose qualifications would be subject to a grandfather clause, if he will meet with building designers (details supplied) seeking an amendment of BCA 2007 to include such a grandfather clause.

 28/02/2012

 Michael McGrath TD (Cork South Central, Fianna Fáil) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 473: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to give recognition to so-called grandfather architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 21/02/2012

 Michel Barnier, European Commissioner, confirmed that an Irish Grandfather Clause for acquired-rights architects is permitted under European Law. The Commissioner's statement absolutely contradicts the harmful but widely accepted legal opinion published last year by RIAI Ltd. (See DATA page for full text)

 01/02/2012

 Michael Healy-Rae TD (Kerry South, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 126: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 17/01/2012

 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 337: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 30 November 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the fact the Royal College of Architects of Ireland considers that the fee reduction will apply for a period of time; if it is his understanding also that this reduction will apply only for a limited time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 11/01/2012

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the technical assessment directly tests the practical elements of architecture rather than theory based on the student curriculum; if it directly tests the capabilities of unregistered architects who have been long out of third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 11/01/2012

 Jack Wall TD (Kildare South, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 521: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views in regard to the attached submission (details supplied); the action he plans or is proposing in regard to each proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 11/01/2012

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD (Dublin Central, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 536: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of unregistered architects, under section 17 of the Building Control Act 2007, subsection (3), if he will define verified hardship for those who may seek a waiver to the technical assessment fees; the exact time frame for which the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland has agreed to reduce the technical assessment fees from €6,300 to €4,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 20/12/2011

 Jan O'Sullivan TD (Limerick City, Labour) was appointed Minister of State for Housing & Planning.

 10/12/2011

 Architects' Alliance Open Meeting of Self-taught Architects in Ireland at 2h30 pm, Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, County Laois. This is to be an Open Meeting for all disenfranchised architects - which includes those with relevant third level qualifications, membership of professional construction industry bodies and those who are entirely self-taught. However, any Grandfather Clause is expected to be limited to those who have made their livings as architects for over 7/10 years, whether salaried or self-employed.

 13/12/2011

 Joe Costello TD (Dublin Central, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 287: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to correspondence (details supplied) regarding Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 06/12/2011

 Robert Troy TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 251: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 as was previously initiated by the 30th Dáil and which had cross-party support at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 29/11/2011

 James Bannon TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 371: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants in total that have been rejected from sitting the technical assessment exam after paying the initial fee under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37570/11]

 29/11/2011

 Bernard Durkan TD (Kildare North, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his future plans, if any, to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to facilitate the use of the title “architect” by self-trained architects who were in operation throughout the country prior to the introduction of the Act and who have been disenfranchised by not being permitted to use the title while performing the same function as architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 29/11/2011

 James Bannon TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 374: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when will the 2010 annual report, which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007: Architects, be published and put on sale, taking into account that it is now November 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

PQ 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

PQ 372: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have passed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

PQ 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons in total that have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 22/11/2011

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 359: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he recognises the conflict of interests inherent in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland while it represents and promotes registered architects, advises the Government on building issues and protects the consumers;

 15/11/2011

 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the costly and non-inclusive routes for the registration of architects with acquired rights constitutes the sheltering of the architecture profession and that the State, the public and consumers are thereby ill-served by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007;

 15/11/2011

 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 411: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Building Control Act 2007 to include a grandfather clause for those with acquired rights and so enable them to continue to certify as architects in the State without being criminalised;

 15/11/2011

 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 410: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €4,500 technical assessment fee for architects under the Building Control Act 2007 makes that assessment the most costly of its type in the world;

 15/11/2011

 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has estimated the cost to domestic consumers of removing a significant number of architects from the market through the absence of a standard grandfather clause in part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007;

 15/11/2011

 - Willie Penrose TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning resigns over a constituency issue

 15/11/2011

 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 408: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Building Control Act 2007 has created a situation whereby the dominant representative association (details supplied) is also the regulating body for that profession, contrary to the specific recommendations of the Competition Authority;

 10/11/2011

 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 134: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding architects;

 10/11/2011

 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding architects;

 08/11/2011

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 324: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will acknowledge the role RIAI certified architects play in the design of buildings according to fire safety regulations;

 08/11/2011

 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 323: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to address the non-representation of non-registered architects within the Building Regulations Advisory Body;

 03/11/2011

 Nicky McFadden TD to Minister Hogan, PQ 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007 since its introduction; the number of applications in total that have been rejected from sitting the technical assessment after paying the initial fee; the number of applicants that have passed the technical assessment exam; the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam; the date on which the 2010 annual report which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be published and be made available to the public taking into account that it is now November 2011.

 02/11/2011

 Alex White TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 303: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is planned to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to insert a grandfather clause with a view to allowing experienced self-taught architects to use the term architect in carrying out their business;

 02/11/2011

 Brendan Griffin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 293: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32247/11]

 02/11/2011

 News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement:- "This office has been in further contact with the company (RIAI Ltd) and they have made the required changes in order to comply with The European Communities (Companies) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.". It must be noted that RIAI Ltd was in breach of European Law since 1997.

 27/10/2011

  The Irish Times publishes an Alliance letter: "After Priory Hall"

 26/10/2011

 Alliance Member Tom Byrne receives a Commendation in the Single House in the Open Countryside category of the Clare County Council Design and Conservation Awards Scheme 2011.

 21/10/2011

  Minister Phil Hogan announces plans for mandatory certification in 2012:- "A MANDATORY certification process to ensure adequate standards in houses and apartments is to be introduced"

 20/10/2011

  Alliance Member Joe Fallon is shortlisted for the CMG "Architectural Practice of the Year" Award

 12/10/2011

  Priory Hall debacle becomes a major embarrassing news for the Irish Building Control system.

 04/10/2011

 Finian McGrath TD TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 433: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the concerns of an alliance (details supplied).

 27/09/2011

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 355: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend or review the Building Control Act 2007 to take account of persons who have long practised as architects but who do not meet the requirements of the Act; his plans to provide for an independent investigation into the appropriateness and fairness of the Act as it applies to such persons;

 27/09/2011

  Architects' Alliance presentation to the Technical Group of Independent Deputies.

 14/09/2011

  Minister Phil Hogan prescribes the Technical Assessment fee at €4,500.

 14/09/2011

  Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 572: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 14 May 2011, the position regarding his review of the fees charged for registration as an architect.

 14/09/2011

  Willie O'Dea TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 554: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide a technical assessment for architects, similar to that already provided for the grandfather surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007.

 14/09/2011

  Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 550: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects as laid out under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007.

 19/09/2011

  Joanna Tuffy TD (Dublin Mid West, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the submission made to him in July 2010 from Engineers Ireland on the regulation of the engineering profession here; if this submission has been considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 15/07/2011

  EU Pilot Procedure announced to investigate the Irish registration system rules for Directive-rights architects

 30/06/2011

  A newly devised RIAI Ltd certificate is now required before Directive-rights Irish architects can avail of mutual recognition

 15/06/2011

  Alliance Members Adrian Turner & Joe Fallon have projectS published in PLAN Magazine

 08/06/2011

  Minister Phil Hogan appoints members to the Professional Conduct Committee and the Appeals Boards under Part 3 of the BCA 2007

 01/06/2011

  Eric Byrne TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 154: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the Building Control Act 2007, if he is committed to ensuring that a grandfather clause is implemented as regards Part 3 of the Act; if he will confirm that an independent auditing group for architects is established as opposed to the RIAI; and if he will ensure that a grandfather clause is instituted and that members of the Architects Alliance of Ireland are allowed to continue to practice and use the title architect.

 01/06/2011

  Ciarán Lynch TD is appointed as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht

 31/05/2011

  Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 234: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received communication from the European Commission through the EU pilot system in relation to the compatibility of section 22 of the Building Control Act 2007 with European law on free movement of workers; if he has or will reply to this communication; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 24/05/2011

  Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 19 April 2011, the status of his reply to the correspondence referred to therein.

 03/05/2011

  John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose), PQ399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of the 31 March 2011, the cost to him of the two boards mentioned; the payments made to each board member and the chairperson; the future costs of the appeals board and professional practice committee once appointed; if he has considered a more cost effective and efficient way of dealing with this type of registration in view of the fact that to date there is only one application;

 19/04/2011

  Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose) PQ212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding aspects of the Building Control Act 2007 (details supplied);

 31/03/2011

  John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3, the person who appoints the stage 3 interview board and the technical assessment board relevant to the evaluation process for applications; if the appeals board has been set up and if so, if he will name the board members and their qualifications; the number of appeals outstanding and the number of appeals dealt with; the time frame for each appeal;

 24/03/2011

  Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ58 : To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act to address the situation facing trained and qualified architects who are effectively being prevented from registering to use that title due to the excessive registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/11

 18/03/2011

 A detailed submission was made by the Alliance in response to the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive. The submission included an analysis of an Experience Report compiled by RIAI LTD as part of an official evaluation of the Professional Qualifications Directive.

 10/03/2011

 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Willie Penrose on his appointment as Minister of State for Housing and Planning. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Penrose's support in correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010.

 09/03/2011

 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) on his appointment as the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the 31st Dáil. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Hogan correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010.

 20/01/2011

 The European Directorate for Education and Culture is organizing public consultations which are relevant to the registration of architects. The subjects of these consultations are "the Recognition of Professional, Qualifications" and "the Promotion and Validation of non-formal and informal Learning". All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute. See our News Page for more info.

 29/11/2010

 A legal Opinion prepared at the request of the Alliance by Mr Anthony M Collins SC was submitted to the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government. Mr Collins wrote: "I conclude that there is no conflict between the provisions of the Bill and the law of the European Union, notably the Directive". The Minister's office confirmed that Mr Collins' Opinion will be passed to the Attorney-General's office for his advice.

 18/11/2010

  News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Limited was forced to admit to its persistent failure to properly disclose its true status - which is that of a Limited Company. The limited liability of its 2,800 or so members is One Euro per person. The obligation to disclose limited liability and the names of company directors is made under both the Companies Act and European law. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has accepted the company's assurance that it will henceforth use only fully compliant letterheads and websites. It seems that those legal disclosures have always been eschewed by RIAI Ltd.

 16/11/2010

 "GRANDFATHER" AMENDMENT ENDORSED. The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party gave its overwelming support to the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010. The Bill provides for the inclusion of a standard Grandfather Clause for architects in the Building Control Act 2007. Thanks to Deputy Máire Hoctor's successful Motion, the Bill has now progressed to formal examination by the Attorney-General. This is another hugely significant advance in the Alliance campaign.

 11/11/2010

 A significant meeting took place between the Alliance and Mr Gavin Daly, Special Advisor to Minister Ciarán Cuffe. Among the matters discussed was a widely circulated legal Opinion prepared by Mr Gerard Hogan SC on behalf of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Mr Hogan had concluded that the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010, if enacted, "would plainly be unlawful as contrary to requirements of EU law". The Alliance indicated its opposition and was invited to make a submission in writing for passing onto the Attorney-General. Also flagged were the procedural defects in the Building Control Act itself and the continuing harm caused by the premature opening of the Statutory Register for Architects.

 10/11/2010

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 244: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to take cognisance of a newly created category of architect (details supplied) and the impact that category has on Section 14(4) of the Act; if so, the further amendments he envisages making to the Act;

 10/11/2010

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 243: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm, with particular regard to relevant case law (details supplied), that an architect who is eligible for registration in accordance with section 14(2)(b) of the Building Control Act 2007, is not obliged, once so registered, to remain a member of the relevant body in order to remain named on the register of architects

 10/11/2010

  Bernard Durkan TD Dáil debate, Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009: "The Building Control Act, which passed some years ago, was supposed to control, regulate and ensure development took place in an orderly fashion and that consumers and householders, whether renting or purchasing, were protected. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Nor does it happen yet."

 05/11/2010

 The UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) faces a long anticipated challenge over the disjuncture between the UK registration rules for UK Graduates.

 27/10/2010

  joe McHugh TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 480: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the 2007 Building Control Act; if the requirements for inclusion on the Register of Architects will be changed; if any relevant secondary legislation or statutory instrument is envisaged;

 21/10/2010

 A private complaint pointing to a potential breach of European Law by Section 22 of the Building Control Act 2007 is being pursued by the European Commission.

 09/10/2010

 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to discuss lobbying and other business. Alliance meetings with the Royal Institute are underway.

 29/09/2010

  Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1491: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Private Member's 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;

 29/09/2010

  Michael Ring TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1486: To ask 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;

 29/09/2010

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1458: To ask 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;

 29/09/2010

  Finian McGrath TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1447: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied).

 13/09/2010

 A Stakeholder response was made by the Alliance to the European Commission's questionnaire on the Services Directive.

 20/08/2010

 ODCE Complaint - The Alliance lodged a formal complaint to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement regarding RIAI LTD's persistent failure to comply with the Company Law and EU Law disclosure rules for companies limited by guarantee.

 07/08/2010

 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and for other business. An Executive Committee was elected.

 16/07/2010

 Former Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD introduced a Private Member's Bill to amend the Building Control Act 2007. The Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 provides a “grandfather clause” to enable long established, self-trained architects to reclaim their status. Mr O’Donoghue said the Bill would “prevent hundreds of working architects from losing out on their official status because they pursued a different route to qualification”.
The Architects Alliance is delighted by Mr. O'Donoghue's initiative which will restore competition and consumer choice to the profession whilst correcting the injustices of the new registration regime. A lobbying programme in support of the Bill is now being prepared by the Alliance.

 08/07/2010

  Damien English TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 19: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government following the invitation formally issued by the Committee on 18 May 2010 to discuss the Building Control Act 2007 and the problems suffered by practically trained architects;

 22/06/2010

  James Reilly TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) regarding promoting diversity and choice in architecture;

 22/06/2010

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an invitation from the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government to appear before it to answer questions on the problems arising with architects from the imposition of the Building Control Act; if he has indicated if he will appear before the committee and when the committee can expect a response;

 15/06/2010

  Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 438: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that an Irish national is obliged to obtain UK citizenship to be assured of registration as an architect in his home State here (details supplied).

 12/06/2010

 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and other business. A temporary Steering Committee was formed.

 02/06/2010

  Chris Andrews TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 163: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the inclusion of a grandfather clause in the Building Control Act 2007, to counter the unintended impact that the implementation of Part 3 of the Act may have on some professionals in the area.

 18/05/2010

  Phil Hogan TD (Fine Gael's Spokesman on Environment, Heritage & Local Government) tabled the closing resolution made by the Chair of today's Hearing at the Joint Committee on the Environment: "We will invite the Minister to come before the joint committee to discuss these issues."

 18/05/2010

 Today's Joint Committee on the Environment Hearing was a resounding success for Architects' Alliance and for all architects disenfranchised by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007.
 Thanks are due to the committee members and to the four "non-committee" Deputies who also made time to study the issues, attend and speak. Maureen O'Sullivan TD, who was present as an independent observer, has sent us a strong message of support.

 12/05/2010

  Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied);

 07/05/2010

 As a result of lobbying by Architects' Alliance, the Joint Committee on the Environment has decided to call a meeting to consider the difficulties arising from Part 3 of the BCA 2007 and the absence of a Grandfather Clause in the Act.

 27/04/2010

  Fergus O'Dowd TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 325: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 27/04/2010

  Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 322: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.

 19/04/2010

 Following complaints from AA members and others, the National Consumer Agency has withdrawn a web page that encouraged consumers to employ only architects approved by RIAI Ltd and to avoid their competitors. The NCA is now reviewing its position.

 15/04/2010

 The Competition Authority has replied to Architects' Alliance's complaints against the registration procedure. The Competition Authority acknowledges the wrong doings of RIAI ltd, but does not have the power to take action against the regulator.

 14/04/2010

  Phil Hogan TD (Fine Gael's Spokesman on Environment, Heritage & Local Government) responded to Alliance lobbying by making a formal request to the Joint Committee on the Environment: "In response to this correspondence I have written to the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government to arrange a meeting with representatives from the RIAI, the Architects' Alliance and with officials from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in order to put these grievances on the public record and to seek possible solutions."

 08/04/2010

 The Law Society Gazette published an article from Architects’ Alliance to express members’ concerns about the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation by RIAI ltd.

 27/03/2010

 A members only meeting took place in Portlaoise today. Reports were delivered and strategy including our next steps were agreed. The formation of regional sub-committees will be encouraged.

 22/03/2010

  Architects' Alliance next meeting for members only Saturday 27th in Portloise. Contact us for more information.

 12/03/2010

  Architects' Alliance launches its new website. Another step towards the recognition of the alliance nationwide.

 09/03/2010

  Brian Hayes TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the unintended consequence that will follow the enactment and implementation of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, which deals with the protection of the title of architect; and if his attention has been further drawn to the damage to more than 1,000 architects and their families as a result of the enactment of this part of the Bill in question;

 04/03/2010

  Architects' Alliance prepares a complaint to The Competition Authority related to the inequitable and anti-competitive nature of part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation.

 04/03/2010

  Paul Kehoe TD to Minister Mary Coughlan, PQ 47: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who wishes to seek redress for poor delivery of professional services from an architect; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

 04/03/2010

  Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 17 December 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons working in the field of architecture in France who are properly established and ensured taxes were paid for the five years before their cut off date were placed on the register of architects without hindrance; his views regarding the situation here;

 02/03/2010

  Ruairi Quinn TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 428: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will raise the matter of costs of registering as an architect here with an organisation (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the registration fee here is €490 while in the UK, it is £86; if he will further raise with the organisation the possibility of introducing a separate charge which would include registration but not automatic membership to its organisation;

 01/03/2010

  The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's ruling against the RIAI Ltd advertisements is aired by RTÉ

 25/02/2010

  An advertising campaign promoting a new register of architects has been deemed misleading after the broadcasting watchdog found it implied that "unqualified" architects could not be trusted.

 18/02/2010

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 178: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Building Control Act 2007 has been implemented regarding the registration of non-Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland architects; if the new registration process will be fully completed before officially launching a register of architects; his views on whether the premature launch of this register will have significant consumer choice or market distortion effects;

 10/02/2010

  Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 270: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will suspend the progress of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 to allow further investigation and discussion in view of the concerns on the part of persons that will be affected if same will be implemented;

 09/02/2010

 The Law Society is maintaining its "10-year Rule" for certification.The caveats are much the same as in the past. Information and an advice note are to be prepared for issue to AA members.

 19/01/2010

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 856: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will appoint the professional conduct committee to deal with matters in relation to the architectural profession;

 17/12/2009

  Liz McManus TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 308: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding concerns from practising architects on the delays in the technical assessment process; his further views on the implementation of a new registration scheme for architects, when the technical assessment process is facing such delays and affects practising architects who cannot register and who do not qualify for automatic registration as an architect;

 17/12/2009

  Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 281: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make an amendment to the Building Control Act 2009 by providing a ministerial list, similar to one made by a Minister in 1997, to allow architects who have been working under law society guidelines for a period of ten years or more automatic entry to the register similar to those from the 1997 list.

 09/12/2009

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to radio advertisements by an organisation (details supplied) denigrating, as incompetent, architects who are not registered with that body; if his further attention has been drawn to the negative impact of such advertisements on experienced architects in legitimate practice who are in the process of registration; if he will take steps to prevent this unfair practice;

 26/11/2009

  Paul Kehoe TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 265: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in view of the recent launch of the register of Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland on whether it is fair and equitable that a RIBA qualified architect practising here will be refused membership of the new register unless they complete a one-year course at a cost of E11,500

 05/11/2009

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley (answered by Minister of State Michael Finneran), PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has prepared an advice note for companies (details supplied) which, for the past ten, 20 or 30 years have been legally trading under a name, style or title containing the word "architect";

 13/10/2009

  George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 401: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has no plans to suspend Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 in view of the hardship that it is causing to architects;

 06/10/2009

  Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1007: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet an organisation (details supplied) to discuss with them their concerns about Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; the consideration given by him to date to their concerns;

 06/10/2009

  George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 965: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on suspending Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, in view of the effect it is having on experienced architects (details supplied);

 24/09/2009

  Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 102: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be implemented; the provision which is being made to take account of the concerns raised by practising architects who are not members of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in regard to the registration process; if consideration has been given to the grandfather rule, as implemented in other jurisdictions;

 ../06/2009

  Alliance Member Tom Byrne and his team partner Kostas Wootis win the Green Apple Conservation Award for the Built Environment (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland)

 18/12/2008

  Martin Ferris TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 297 - To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the number of architects qualifying under the technical assessment pilot scheme.

 08/05/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the simultaneous commencement of Sections 18 and 21 of the Building Control Act 2007 has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law;

 08/05/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will revoke Statutory Instrument No. 50 of 2008 and ensure that any further commencement of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be on a phased basis;

 08/05/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 556: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that failure to delay the commencement of Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, until such time as the Technical Assessment Board is ready to receive applications has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law;

 01/05/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 192: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the proper technical board will be set up to vet new membership to the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland;

 28/04/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland;

 17/04/2008

  Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland;

 12/02/2008

  Leo Varadkar TD to Minister to Minister John Gormley, PQ 608: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recommendations of the Competition Authority regarding architects that he has implemented to date;

 11/12/2007

  Leo Varadkar TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 933: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response by his Department to the recommendations made to his Department by the Competition Authority in its March 2006 report on competition in the architecture profession;