Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Notwithstanding what the Minister said, this group of people clearly believes they are not being helped by this Bill. As they told me in the letter, the document entitled A Framework for Registration for the Architectural Profession in Ireland states in section 6.5 that the RIAI will propose an assessment system which will provide for the acknowledgement of an established right to practise for those without formal qualifications using uniform, fair and open procedures. Their strong view is that while the thrust of the term "grandfather clause" is widely known, it is important the specific meaning of the term is spelt out in the Bill. It is not spelt out, so I intend to press the amendment.

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