Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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545. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 17 September 2025, if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the current enforcement regime; if reform or direction to a body (details supplied) is being considered to deal with persistent breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51254/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007 details prohibition against using the term “architect” unless registered to do so. The registration body in Ireland for this is the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. As detailed in the legislation, consequences for a person who practises or carries on business under any name, style or title containing the word “architect”, unless he or she is registered shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.

Complaints relating to the use of the title are a matter for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as the designated competent authority in respect of the architectural profession.

Neither my Department nor I has any direct role in the operation of this register, nor do my Department or I receive reports in relation to complaints. It is not intended to reform the legislation at this time.