Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I note the Minister accepted amendments to the Bill in the Dáil. That made a substantial difference to it. I hope he will also listen to us in this House and that he will see fit to accept amendments which will improve the Bill. The Bill deals with many issues. I agree with the last point made by Senator Mansergh. I am tired of being targeted with the accusation that we are the builders' friends. I have never heard anything so ridiculous. Of course, we should seek to have proper buildings and developments and to provide affordable and social housing for people. However, that does not imply one should be labelled the builders' friend or carry that tag. I would love to have builders as my friends but I do not. It would be nice to have such friends.

I have two reasons for raising the following issue, one of which is education and my awareness that there are several ways to acquire proper qualifications in addition to simply having technical titles after one's name. I refer to a group of people who are a long time in the business of designing buildings, surveying, making bills of quantity and doing all the other tasks required to produce proper housing developments. There has been some consultation with the Department on this matter. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, RIAI, will decide the assessment of the people who are a long time in the business and seek recognition under this Bill. I am worried about such an arrangement.

I do not know if the Minister is listening to me or writing, but what I am saying is important.