Mr. John Hughes:

In other industries there are registers for gas installers, electricians and other trade representatives. These registers brings them to a certain level which is the minimum requirement and people can go up levels if they wish. It means the client can expect a minimum standard from an FCI registered member, as we outlined in the criteria. It gives a sense of responsibility to the contractors as they have to achieve a certain standard. This is the aim behind it. It is the first step on the ladder. It is a small step but nonetheless it is a step. We can keep stepping up with personal development and business acumen accreditation.

The industry will have a better view of itself from within and be better viewed from outside. People will see it is a professional association run by professionals for professionals and not just a bunch of fellows standing on corners smoking Woodbines thinking they are great. It is far from it. We want to bring ourselves to a level that our European counterparts achieved a long number of years ago. We have been slow to get out the blocks but we are on the road and we intend to achieve the targets we have aimed for. It is a long road but nonetheless we aim to get there.