Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I have been heavily lobbied on this legislation. Section 20 outlines the criteria that will be used by the technical assessment board and they cover all eventualities. However, no reference is made to academic qualifications or requirements. The appeals system provided for under section 22 is stringent and robust. As Senator O'Toole pointed out, three different layers of assessment will be involved. Consideration should be given to those who have spent a lifetime working as architects but who hold related qualifications. The Minister's reassurances will go a long way to allaying the fears of those working in this field.