Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to give formal statutory or legal recognition to the qualifications of architectural technologists and architectural technicians; if his attention has been drawn to the important role that both professions play in the planning, development and construction of buildings; if he received formal representations seeking a form of recognition for both professions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7956/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I understand that qualifications for "Architectural Technologist" and "Architectural Technician" are underpinned by the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999, which comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science.

The 1997 Report of the Strategic Review Committee on the Construction Industry — Building Our Future Together — recommended that the title of "Architect" should be registered by law. Subsequently, the Forum for the Construction Industry submitted proposals to my Department for the registration of Architects, following consultation and agreement with the architectural representative bodies.

The Building Control Act 2007, enacted in April 2007, provides, inter alia, for the registration of the title of "Architect" broadly along the lines recommended by the Strategic Review Committee and the Forum for the Construction Industry.

Section 18(4) of the 2007 Act provides for the use of titles incorporating the word "Architect", such as "Architectural Technologist" or "Architectural Technician", so as not to restrict the use of such titles.

I have received a number of representations in respect of persons who are providing architectural services, by way of established rights, in regard to their status following the introduction of statutory registration under the Building Control Act 2007. Part 3 of the Act provides, inter alia, for the establishment of a Technical Assessment Board to assess applications from persons who are not eligible for registration on the basis of specified academic qualifications, but who have been practising architecture for a minimum period of 10 years in the State. The procedure for the Technical Assessment Board is also set out in Part 3 of the Act.