Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he recognises the conflict of interests inherent in the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland while it represents and promotes registered architects, advises the Government on building issues and protects the consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35752/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has been designated as the registration body for persons wishing to use the title of architect in accordance with the provisions of the Building Control Act 2007. The function of a registration body under the Act is limited to such administrative actions as are necessary to establish and maintain the relevant registers. The Act does not confer any further representational or regulatory function on a designated registration body such as the RIAI.

The Building Regulations Advisory Body (BRAB) was established under the Building Control Act 1990 to provide advice in relation to changes to the Building Regulations. The membership of BRAB is comprised of persons nominated by key public sector and private industry stakeholders. BRAB has no executive or decision making powers and fulfils its function by way of making recommendations for changes to the Building Regulations. All recommendations for changes to the Building Regulations are subject to full public consultation and rigorous regulatory impact analysis before they can be signed into law. I am satisfied that the statutory processes for the registration of architects and for the revision of the Building Regulations are conducted in an open and transparent manner.