James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 5, subsection (1), line 30, to delete "11,".

These amendments have been drafted primarily with the Competition Authority's report on architects in mind. I acknowledge that section 11 of the Bill, as drafted, largely implements the authority's recommendations. However, it falls short in one key area. The authority's report states the profession should be regulated independently of the professional association which, in this case, is the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland, RIAI. While section 11 establishes an admissions board under the RIAI with responsibility for the registration of architects, it does not make any statement on the independence of the board. The Competition Authority also recommended that what is currently referred to in the Bill as "the Admissions Board" should be referred to as "The Architects Council of Ireland". The amendments would give effect to the authority's recommendations. They relate in particular to Part 3 of the Bill which deals with the registration of architects. I ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to accept the amendments which would enhance the Bill greatly. It is important, in the interests of transparency, that they be taken on board. Perhaps the Minister will do so.