Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Like Senator Norris, I am somewhat mystified as to why anybody, having waited for 80 years, would wait until the 59th minute of the 11th hour to lobby for further additional changes. It seems a remarkable way to do business, particularly if this is a critical issue for people. I appreciate Senator Bannon has put considerable work into these amendments but I make the point that the term "Architects' Council of Ireland" is not used in the Bill. No convincing argument has been put forward yet to do so.

To address the specific point raised by Senator Quinn, the structure of the admissions board, as is a function of it set out in the Bill, will be independent of the registration body. It will have a majority of lay personnel among its membership. Therefore, the dismal prospects forecast by some who are lobbying are simply not a possibility. To address the point made by Senator O'Rourke, the role and function of the admissions board were previously agreed by all the architectural representative bodies. This includes the group of people who at the very last moment have promoted the amendments put forward by Senator Bannon.

Architects on all sides of this argument who have stopped me in the precincts of this House, on the street, in my office and constituency have indicated their concern and determination that this legislation should go through. They are anxious to protect their professional title and frustrated at having to wait 80 years to get to this point. However, now that we are on the cusp of doing this, as Senator Norris eloquently said, and long after Senators have had the opportunity to make their contributions on Second Stage and the process has gone through the Dáil, this same body come has come forward and indicated it wishes to make these changes. This is not a sensible or a prudent way to do business and it shows scant regard for the consultation process.

The approach taken in the Bill was universally agreed by all the bodies concerned and they had sight of the legislation. A great deal of consultation took place on it. Anybody who suggests that the Bill has been sprung on him or her at the last minute is ignoring the fact that the profession has sought this legislation for 80 years since the foundation of the State.