Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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570. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of the ongoing misuse of the protected title ‘architect’ by a person (details supplied); if he is satisfied that the RIAI’s enforcement approach is adequate; and the steps his Department will take to ensure that persistent misuse of the protected title is treated with the seriousness intended by section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007. [54642/25]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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571. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is satisfied with the enforcement mechanisms under section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007 regarding the misuse of the protected title ‘architect’; his views on whether the current approach by the RIAI, which relies heavily on giving unregistered individuals the opportunity to comply rather than prosecuting persistent offenders, leaves a gap in enforcement; the reforms or directions being considered to strengthen accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54643/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 together.

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. Under Section 67 of the Act summary proceedings for an offence under Part 3 may be brought and prosecuted by the registration body

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.