Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the inclusion of a grandfather clause for practically trained architects in the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30533/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Section 14 of the Building Control Act 2007 sets out the eligibility criteria for registration in the statutory register of architects. It also includes a provision to address the position of practically trained persons in that it includes a category for those who have been assessed as eligible for registration by the Technical Assessment Board in accordance with the practical experience assessment procedure, that is practising architecture for a minimum period of 10 years in the State.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, which is designated as registration body for Architects under the Building Control Act 2007, has established an Admissions Board and a Technical Assessment Board so that the registration process may commence in the near future. The RIAI has appointed architects to the boards and I have appointed the Chairpersons and non-architect majority to both boards. Section 22 of the Act sets out the procedures for the operation of the Technical Assessment Board.

The Act provides for an appeal against a decision of the Technical Assessment Board to an Appeals Board which will be appointed shortly. The Appeals Board will also have an independent Chairperson and a majority of lay members. An appeal to the High Court can also ultimately be made against a decision of the Appeals Board or any other Board or Committee.