Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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389. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the current position in relation to the establishment of a statutory register of architectural technologists, in view of the establishment of the QQI standard in architectural technology almost a year ago; and the likely timeframe for its introduction. [10203/17]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has had detailed engagement with the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists ( CIAT ) over the past number of years. In this regard, my Department outlined a number of options in keeping with the Building Control Act 2007 which could be pursued by CIAT with a view to progressing the registration of its Chartered Architectural Technologist members. My Department supported the establishment by CIAT of the voluntary Register for Architectural Technologists in Ireland in July 2014 to represent those practising within the Republic of Ireland. The voluntary register operated by CIAT assesses and monitors the competency standards for Architectural Technologist applicants.

In March 2016, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) formally published the national graduate standard for Architectural Technology in Ireland. This was the result of close collaboration between QQI, CIAT and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

Since publication of the QQI standard in architectural technology, my Department has met with CIAT representatives to provide guidance and an explanation of the process involved in order to place the register on a statutory footing. The prospective registration bodies have a major role to play to devising and gaining consensus within their sector on a registration process that is fit for purpose as a statutory register and in this regard I understand that meetings have taken place between the CIAT and the RIAI.

Following the meeting my Department has provided follow up information to CIAT regarding the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) in relation to the creation of a statutory register and await feedback and input from CIAT in this regard. My Department will continue to engage and work with CIAT in relation to this matter.