Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This amendment to section 16 would enable a partnership or body corporate to carry out business under a name including the word "architect", provided at least one of the partners or directors is registered under the Act. Subsection (3) already achieves much of what the amendment proposes to do. One of the main objectives of the registration of architects is to give greater protection to consumers. Once this Act comes into force, consumers will know that a person calling him or herself an architect has met the qualification requirements of the registration body.

Were I to accept this amendment, I would dilute this consumer protection because it does not include the provision in subsection 3 that all premises where firms' business in respect of architecture is carried out must be by or under the supervision of a registered professional. Therefore, I cannot accept this amendment.

Amendments Nos. 57 and 58 have already been provided for by amendment No. 56 and I ask the Deputy to withdraw them.

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