Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The Minister made a number of solid points. I gave careful consideration to the lobby material I received and I spoke to some of the people involved. I tried to work my way through this matter on the basis of the experience I gained in other areas. I set aside the Competition Authority's view on the matter. I accept what it is saying but I am not sure it is completely relevant to what we are discussing.

The main issue I raised on Second Stage was not so much related to the involvement of the RIAI as it was to protecting the careers and professionalism of architects who are not members of that organisation. I want to go through what I believe to be involved here and perhaps the Minister might then indicate if I am right or wrong in my assessment.

What is being done here has been done in other professions in many different ways. I was centrally involved in the establishment of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority at a time when it was felt self-regulation should not be allowed. However, I managed to convince the Committee of Public Accounts that it is possible to have self-regulation with oversight. I informed some of the lobby groups that I do not have a particular difficulty with the RIAI. However, I would have a serious difficulty if that organisation could not be trusted. That is the issue as I see it.

Leaving aside members of the RIAI, my understanding is that the institute will be the registration body but that it will not influence admissions.