PROTECTING DIVERSITY AND PROMOTING CHOICEIN IRISH ARCHITECTURE HOME / ABOUT US / NEWS / CONTACT US / MEMBERSHIP / LINKS / DATA 01/02/2012 Michael Healy-Rae TD (Kerry South, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 126: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 17/01/2012 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 337: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 30 November 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the fact the Royal College of Architects of Ireland considers that the fee reduction will apply for a period of time; if it is his understanding also that this reduction will apply only for a limited time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the technical assessment directly tests the practical elements of architecture rather than theory based on the student curriculum; if it directly tests the capabilities of unregistered architects who have been long out of third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Jack Wall TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 521: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views in regard to the attached submission (details supplied); the action he plans or is proposing in regard to each proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 536: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of unregistered architects, under section 17 of the Building Control Act 2007, subsection (3), if he will define verified hardship for those who may seek a waiver to the technical assessment fees; the exact time frame for which the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland has agreed to reduce the technical assessment fees from €6,300 to €4,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 10/12/2011 Architects' Alliance Open Meeting of Self-taught Architects in Ireland at 2h30 pm, Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, County Laois. This is to be an Open Meeting for all disenfranchised architects - which includes those with relevant third level qualifications, membership of professional construction industry bodies and those who are entirely self-taught. However, any Grandfather Clause is expected to be limited to those who have made their livings as architects for over 7/10 years, whether salaried or self-employed. 13/12/2011 Joe Costello TD (Dublin Central, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 287: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to correspondence (details supplied) regarding Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 06/12/2011 Robert Troy TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 251: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 as was previously initiated by the 30th Dáil and which had cross-party support at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 29/11/2011 Robert Troy TD (Kildare North, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his future plans, if any, to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to facilitate the use of the title “architect” by self-trained architects who were in operation throughout the country prior to the introduction of the Act and who have been disenfranchised by not being permitted to use the title while performing the same function as architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/11] 29/11/2011 James Bannon TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 374: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when will the 2010 annual report, which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007: Architects, be published and put on sale, taking into account that it is now November 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 372: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have passed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons in total that have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 22/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 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; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the costly and non-inclusive routes for the registration of architects with acquired rights constitutes the sheltering of the architecture profession and that the State, the public and consumers are thereby ill-served by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 411: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Building Control Act 2007 to include a grandfather clause for those with acquired rights and so enable them to continue to certify as architects in the State without being criminalised; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 410: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €4,500 technical assessment fee for architects under the Building Control Act 2007 makes that assessment the most costly of its type in the world; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has estimated the cost to domestic consumers of removing a significant number of architects from the market through the absence of a standard grandfather clause in part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; 15/11/2011 - Willie Penrose TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning resigns over a constituency issue 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 408: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Building Control Act 2007 has created a situation whereby the dominant representative association (details supplied) is also the regulating body for that profession, contrary to the specific recommendations of the Competition Authority; 10/11/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 134: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding architects; 10/11/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding architects; 08/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 324: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will acknowledge the role RIAI certified architects play in the design of buildings according to fire safety regulations; 08/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 323: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to address the non-representation of non-registered architects within the Building Regulations Advisory Body; 03/11/2011 Nicky McFadden TD to Minister Hogan, PQ 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007 since its introduction; the number of applications in total that have been rejected from sitting the technical assessment after paying the initial fee; the number of applicants that have passed the technical assessment exam; the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam; the date on which the 2010 annual report which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be published and be made available to the public taking into account that it is now November 2011. 02/11/2011 Alex White TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 303: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is planned to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to insert a grandfather clause with a view to allowing experienced self-taught architects to use the term architect in carrying out their business; 02/11/2011 Brendan Griffin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 293: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32247/11] 02/11/2011 News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement:- "This office has been in further contact with the company (RIAI Ltd) and they have made the required changes in order to comply with The European Communities (Companies) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.". It must be noted that RIAI Ltd was in breach of European Law since 1997. 27/10/2011 The Irish Times publishes an Alliance letter: "After Priory Hall" 26/10/2011 Alliance Member Tom Byrne receives a Commendation in the Single House in the Open Countryside category of the Clare County Council Design and Conservation Awards Scheme 2011. 21/10/2011 Minister Phil Hogan announces plans for mandatory certification in 2012:- "A MANDATORY certification process to ensure adequate standards in houses and apartments is to be introduced" 20/10/2011 Alliance Member Joe Fallon is shortlisted for the CMG "Architectural Practice of the Year" Award 12/10/2011 Priory Hall debacle becomes a major embarrassing news for the Irish Building Control system. 04/10/2011 Finian McGrath TD TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 433: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the concerns of an alliance (details supplied). 27/09/2011 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 355: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend or review the Building Control Act 2007 to take account of persons who have long practised as architects but who do not meet the requirements of the Act; his plans to provide for an independent investigation into the appropriateness and fairness of the Act as it applies to such persons; 27/09/2011 Architects' Alliance presentation to the Technical Group of Independent Deputies. 14/09/2011 Minister Phil Hogan prescribes the Technical Assessment fee at €4,500. 14/09/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 572: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 14 May 2011, the position regarding his review of the fees charged for registration as an architect. 14/09/2011 Willie O'Dea TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 554: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide a technical assessment for architects, similar to that already provided for the grandfather surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007. 14/09/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 550: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects as laid out under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. 15/07/2011 EU Pilot Procedure announced to investigate the Irish registration system rules for Directive-rights architects 30/06/2011 A newly devised RIAI Ltd certificate is now required before Directive-rights Irish architects can avail of mutual recognition 15/06/2011 Alliance Members Adrian Turner & Joe Fallon have projectS published in PLAN Magazine 08/06/2011 Minister Phil Hogan appoints members to the Professional Conduct Committee and the Appeals Boards under Part 3 of the BCA 2007 01/06/2011 Eric Byrne TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 154: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the Building Control Act 2007, if he is committed to ensuring that a grandfather clause is implemented as regards Part 3 of the Act; if he will confirm that an independent auditing group for architects is established as opposed to the RIAI; and if he will ensure that a grandfather clause is instituted and that members of the Architects Alliance of Ireland are allowed to continue to practice and use the title architect. 01/06/2011 Ciarán Lynch TD is appointed as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht 24/05/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 19 April 2011, the status of his reply to the correspondence referred to therein. 03/05/2011 John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose), PQ399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of the 31 March 2011, the cost to him of the two boards mentioned; the payments made to each board member and the chairperson; the future costs of the appeals board and professional practice committee once appointed; if he has considered a more cost effective and efficient way of dealing with this type of registration in view of the fact that to date there is only one application; 19/04/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose) PQ212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding aspects of the Building Control Act 2007 (details supplied); 31/03/2011 John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3, the person who appoints the stage 3 interview board and the technical assessment board relevant to the evaluation process for applications; if the appeals board has been set up and if so, if he will name the board members and their qualifications; the number of appeals outstanding and the number of appeals dealt with; the time frame for each appeal; 24/03/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ58 : To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act to address the situation facing trained and qualified architects who are effectively being prevented from registering to use that title due to the excessive registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/11 18/03/2011 A detailed submission was made by the Alliance in response to the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive. The submission included an analysis of an Experience Report compiled by RIAI LTD as part of an official evaluation of the Professional Qualifications Directive. 10/03/2011 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Willie Penrose on his appointment as Minister of State for Housing and Planning. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Penrose's support in correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010. 09/03/2011 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Phil Hogan on his appointment as the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the 31st Dáil. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Hogan correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010. 20/01/2011 The European Directorate for Education and Culture is organizing public consultations which are relevant to the registration of architects. The subjects of these consultations are "the Recognition of Professional, Qualifications" and "the Promotion and Validation of non-formal and informal Learning". All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute. See our News Page for more info. 29/11/2010 A legal Opinion prepared at the request of the Alliance by Mr Anthony M Collins SC was submitted to the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government. Mr Collins wrote: "I conclude that there is no conflict between the provisions of the Bill and the law of the European Union, notably the Directive". The Minister's office confirmed that Mr Collins' Opinion will be passed to the Attorney-General's office for his advice. 18/11/2010 News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Limited was forced to admit to its persistent failure to properly disclose its true status - which is that of a Limited Company. The limited liability of its 2,800 or so members is One Euro per person. The obligation to disclose limited liability and the names of company directors is made under both the Companies Act and European law. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has accepted the company's assurance that it will henceforth use only fully compliant letterheads and websites. It seems that those legal disclosures have always been eschewed by RIAI Ltd. 16/11/2010 "GRANDFATHER" AMENDMENT ENDORSED. The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party gave its overwelming support to the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010. The Bill provides for the inclusion of a standard Grandfather Clause for architects in the Building Control Act 2007. Thanks to Deputy Máire Hoctor's successful Motion, the Bill has now progressed to formal examination by the Attorney-General. This is another hugely significant advance in the Alliance campaign. 11/11/2010 A significant meeting took place between the Alliance and Mr Gavin Daly, Special Advisor to Minister Ciarán Cuffe. Among the matters discussed was a widely circulated legal Opinion prepared by Mr Gerard Hogan SC on behalf of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Mr Hogan had concluded that the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010, if enacted, "would plainly be unlawful as contrary to requirements of EU law". The Alliance indicated its opposition and was invited to make a submission in writing for passing onto the Attorney-General. Also flagged were the procedural defects in the Building Control Act itself and the continuing harm caused by the premature opening of the Statutory Register for Architects. 10/11/2010 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 244: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to take cognisance of a newly created category of architect (details supplied) and the impact that category has on Section 14(4) of the Act; if so, the further amendments he envisages making to the Act; 10/11/2010 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 243: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm, with particular regard to relevant case law (details supplied), that an architect who is eligible for registration in accordance with section 14(2)(b) of the Building Control Act 2007, is not obliged, once so registered, to remain a member of the relevant body in order to remain named on the register of architects 10/11/2010 Bernard Durkan TD Dáil debate, Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009: "The Building Control Act, which passed some years ago, was supposed to control, regulate and ensure development took place in an orderly fashion and that consumers and householders, whether renting or purchasing, were protected. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Nor does it happen yet." 05/11/2010 The UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) faces a long anticipated challenge over the disjuncture between the UK registration rules for UK Graduates. 27/10/2010 joe McHugh TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 480: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the 2007 Building Control Act; if the requirements for inclusion on the Register of Architects will be changed; if any relevant secondary legislation or statutory instrument is envisaged; 21/10/2010 A private complaint pointing to a potential breach of European Law by Section 22 of the Building Control Act 2007 is being pursued by the European Commission. 09/10/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to discuss lobbying and other business. Alliance meetings with the Royal Institute are underway. 29/09/2010 Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1491: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Private Member's Bill published by Deputy O'Donoghue to amend the Building Control Act 2007; if he intends to introduce his own Bill further addressing the registration of architects; 29/09/2010 Michael Ring TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1486: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will move a Bill (details supplied) or amend the 2007 Act with particular reference to a certain clause; 29/09/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1458: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 or move the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 published by Deputy John O'Donoghue; 29/09/2010 Finian McGrath TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1447: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). 13/09/2010 A Stakeholder response was made by the Alliance to the European Commission's questionnaire on the Services Directive. 20/08/2010 ODCE Complaint - The Alliance lodged a formal complaint to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement regarding RIAI LTD's persistent failure to comply with the Company Law and EU Law disclosure rules for companies limited by guarantee. 07/08/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and for other business. An Executive Committee was elected. 16/07/2010 Former Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD introduced a Private Member's Bill to amend the Building Control Act 2007. The Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 provides a “grandfather clause” to enable long established, self-trained architects to reclaim their status. Mr O’Donoghue said the Bill would “prevent hundreds of working architects from losing out on their official status because they pursued a different route to qualification”. The Architects Alliance is delighted by Mr. O'Donoghue's initiative which will restore competition and consumer choice to the profession whilst correcting the injustices of the new registration regime. A lobbying programme in support of the Bill is now being prepared by the Alliance. 08/07/2010 Damien English TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 19: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government following the invitation formally issued by the Committee on 18 May 2010 to discuss the Building Control Act 2007 and the problems suffered by practically trained architects; 22/06/2010 James Reilly TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) regarding promoting diversity and choice in architecture; 22/06/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an invitation from the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government to appear before it to answer questions on the problems arising with architects from the imposition of the Building Control Act; if he has indicated if he will appear before the committee and when the committee can expect a response; 15/06/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 438: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that an Irish national is obliged to obtain UK citizenship to be assured of registration as an architect in his home State here (details supplied). 12/06/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and other business. A temporary Steering Committee was formed. 02/06/2010 Chris Andrews TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 163: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the inclusion of a grandfather clause in the Building Control Act 2007, to counter the unintended impact that the implementation of Part 3 of the Act may have on some professionals in the area. 18/05/2010 Today's Joint Committee on the Environment Hearing was a resounding success for Architects' Alliance and for all architects disenfranchised by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. Thanks are due to the committee members and to the four "non-committee" Deputies who also made time to study the issues, attend and speak. Maureen O'Sullivan TD, who was present as an independent observer, has sent us a strong message of support. 12/05/2010 Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); 07/05/2010 As a result of lobbying by Architects' Alliance, the Joint Committee on the Environment has decided to call a meeting to consider the difficulties arising from Part 3 of the BCA 2007 and the absence of a Grandfather Clause in the Act. 27/04/2010 Fergus O'Dowd TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 325: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. 27/04/2010 Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 322: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. 27/04/2010 Finian McGrath TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 318: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). 19/04/2010 Following complaints from AA members and others, the National Consumer Agency has withdrawn a web page that encouraged consumers to employ only architects approved by RIAI Ltd and to avoid their competitors. The NCA is now reviewing its position. 15/04/2010 The Competition Authority has replied to Architects' Alliance's complaints against the registration procedure. The Competition Authority acknowledges the wrong doings of RIAI ltd, but does not have the power to take action against the regulator. 08/04/2010 The Law Society Gazette published an article from Architects’ Alliance to express members’ concerns about the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation by RIAI ltd. 27/03/2010 A members only meeting took place in Portlaoise today. Reports were delivered and strategy including our next steps were agreed. The formation of regional sub-committees will be encouraged. 22/03/2010 Architects' Alliance next meeting for members only Saturday 27th in Portloise. Contact us for more information. 12/03/2010 Architects' Alliance launches its new website. Another step towards the recognition of the alliance nationwide. 09/03/2010 Brian Hayes TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the unintended consequence that will follow the enactment and implementation of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, which deals with the protection of the title of architect; and if his attention has been further drawn to the damage to more than 1,000 architects and their families as a result of the enactment of this part of the Bill in question; 04/03/2010 Architects' Alliance prepares a complaint to The Competition Authority related to the inequitable and anti-competitive nature of part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation. 04/03/2010 Paul Kehoe TD to Minister Mary Coughlan, PQ 47: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who wishes to seek redress for poor delivery of professional services from an architect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. 04/03/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 17 December 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons working in the field of architecture in France who are properly established and ensured taxes were paid for the five years before their cut off date were placed on the register of architects without hindrance; his views regarding the situation here; 02/03/2010 Ruairi Quinn TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 428: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will raise the matter of costs of registering as an architect here with an organisation (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the registration fee here is €490 while in the UK, it is £86; if he will further raise with the organisation the possibility of introducing a separate charge which would include registration but not automatic membership to its organisation; 01/03/2010 The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's ruling against the RIAI Ltd advertisements is aired by RTÉ 25/02/2010 An advertising campaign promoting a new register of architects has been deemed misleading after the broadcasting watchdog found it implied that "unqualified" architects could not be trusted. 18/02/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 178: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Building Control Act 2007 has been implemented regarding the registration of non-Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland architects; if the new registration process will be fully completed before officially launching a register of architects; his views on whether the premature launch of this register will have significant consumer choice or market distortion effects; 10/02/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 270: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will suspend the progress of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 to allow further investigation and discussion in view of the concerns on the part of persons that will be affected if same will be implemented; 09/02/2010 The Law Society is maintaining its "10-year Rule" for certification.The caveats are much the same as in the past. Information and an advice note are to be prepared for issue to AA members. 19/01/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 856: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will appoint the professional conduct committee to deal with matters in relation to the architectural profession; 17/12/2009 Liz McManus TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 308: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding concerns from practising architects on the delays in the technical assessment process; his further views on the implementation of a new registration scheme for architects, when the technical assessment process is facing such delays and affects practising architects who cannot register and who do not qualify for automatic registration as an architect; 17/12/2009 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 281: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make an amendment to the Building Control Act 2009 by providing a ministerial list, similar to one made by a Minister in 1997, to allow architects who have been working under law society guidelines for a period of ten years or more automatic entry to the register similar to those from the 1997 list. 09/12/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to radio advertisements by an organisation (details supplied) denigrating, as incompetent, architects who are not registered with that body; if his further attention has been drawn to the negative impact of such advertisements on experienced architects in legitimate practice who are in the process of registration; if he will take steps to prevent this unfair practice; 26/11/2009 Paul Kehoe TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 265: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in view of the recent launch of the register of Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland on whether it is fair and equitable that a RIBA qualified architect practising here will be refused membership of the new register unless they complete a one-year course at a cost of E11,500 05/11/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley (answered by Minister of State Michael Finneran), PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has prepared an advice note for companies (details supplied) which, for the past ten, 20 or 30 years have been legally trading under a name, style or title containing the word "architect"; 13/10/2009 George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 401: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has no plans to suspend Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 in view of the hardship that it is causing to architects; 06/10/2009 Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1007: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet an organisation (details supplied) to discuss with them their concerns about Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; the consideration given by him to date to their concerns; 06/10/2009 George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 965: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on suspending Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, in view of the effect it is having on experienced architects (details supplied); 24/09/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 102: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be implemented; the provision which is being made to take account of the concerns raised by practising architects who are not members of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in regard to the registration process; if consideration has been given to the grandfather rule, as implemented in other jurisdictions; ../06/2009 Alliance Member Tom Byrne and his team partner Kostas Wootis win the Green Apple Conservation Award for the Built Environment (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) 18/12/2008 Martin Ferris TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 297 - To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the number of architects qualifying under the technical assessment pilot scheme. 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the simultaneous commencement of Sections 18 and 21 of the Building Control Act 2007 has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will revoke Statutory Instrument No. 50 of 2008 and ensure that any further commencement of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be on a phased basis; 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 556: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that failure to delay the commencement of Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, until such time as the Technical Assessment Board is ready to receive applications has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; 01/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 192: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the proper technical board will be set up to vet new membership to the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland; 28/04/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; 17/04/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; 12/02/2008 Leo Varadkar TD to Minister to Minister John Gormley, PQ 608: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recommendations of the Competition Authority regarding architects that he has implemented to date; 11/12/2007 Leo Varadkar TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 933: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response by his Department to the recommendations made to his Department by the Competition Authority in its March 2006 report on competition in the architecture profession; © 2010-2011 Architects Alliance. 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01/02/2012 Michael Healy-Rae TD (Kerry South, Independent) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 126: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 17/01/2012 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 337: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 30 November 2011, if his attention has been drawn to the fact the Royal College of Architects of Ireland considers that the fee reduction will apply for a period of time; if it is his understanding also that this reduction will apply only for a limited time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the technical assessment directly tests the practical elements of architecture rather than theory based on the student curriculum; if it directly tests the capabilities of unregistered architects who have been long out of third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Jack Wall TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 521: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views in regard to the attached submission (details supplied); the action he plans or is proposing in regard to each proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 11/01/2012 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 536: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of unregistered architects, under section 17 of the Building Control Act 2007, subsection (3), if he will define verified hardship for those who may seek a waiver to the technical assessment fees; the exact time frame for which the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland has agreed to reduce the technical assessment fees from €6,300 to €4,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 10/12/2011 Architects' Alliance Open Meeting of Self-taught Architects in Ireland at 2h30 pm, Killeshin Hotel, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, County Laois. This is to be an Open Meeting for all disenfranchised architects - which includes those with relevant third level qualifications, membership of professional construction industry bodies and those who are entirely self-taught. However, any Grandfather Clause is expected to be limited to those who have made their livings as architects for over 7/10 years, whether salaried or self-employed. 13/12/2011 Joe Costello TD (Dublin Central, Labour) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 287: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reply to correspondence (details supplied) regarding Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 06/12/2011 Robert Troy TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 251: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 as was previously initiated by the 30th Dáil and which had cross-party support at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 29/11/2011 Robert Troy TD (Kildare North, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 367: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his future plans, if any, to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to facilitate the use of the title “architect” by self-trained architects who were in operation throughout the country prior to the introduction of the Act and who have been disenfranchised by not being permitted to use the title while performing the same function as architects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/11] 29/11/2011 James Bannon TD (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) to Minister Phil Hogan TD, PQ 374: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when will the 2010 annual report, which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007: Architects, be published and put on sale, taking into account that it is now November 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 372: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applicants who have passed the technical assessment exam under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. PQ 370: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons in total that have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3: Architects, since its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 22/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 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; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the costly and non-inclusive routes for the registration of architects with acquired rights constitutes the sheltering of the architecture profession and that the State, the public and consumers are thereby ill-served by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 411: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will amend the Building Control Act 2007 to include a grandfather clause for those with acquired rights and so enable them to continue to certify as architects in the State without being criminalised; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 410: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €4,500 technical assessment fee for architects under the Building Control Act 2007 makes that assessment the most costly of its type in the world; 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has estimated the cost to domestic consumers of removing a significant number of architects from the market through the absence of a standard grandfather clause in part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; 15/11/2011 - Willie Penrose TD, Minister of State for Housing & Planning resigns over a constituency issue 15/11/2011 Luke Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 408: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Building Control Act 2007 has created a situation whereby the dominant representative association (details supplied) is also the regulating body for that profession, contrary to the specific recommendations of the Competition Authority; 10/11/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 134: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding architects; 10/11/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 131: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding architects; 08/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 324: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will acknowledge the role RIAI certified architects play in the design of buildings according to fire safety regulations; 08/11/2011 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 323: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he is taking to address the non-representation of non-registered architects within the Building Regulations Advisory Body; 03/11/2011 Nicky McFadden TD to Minister Hogan, PQ 108: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have applied for technical assessment under the Building Control Act 2007 since its introduction; the number of applications in total that have been rejected from sitting the technical assessment after paying the initial fee; the number of applicants that have passed the technical assessment exam; the number of applicants who have failed the technical assessment exam; the date on which the 2010 annual report which is stipulated in section 73 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be published and be made available to the public taking into account that it is now November 2011. 02/11/2011 Alex White TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 303: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is planned to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to insert a grandfather clause with a view to allowing experienced self-taught architects to use the term architect in carrying out their business; 02/11/2011 Brendan Griffin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 293: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Building Control Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32247/11] 02/11/2011 News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement:- "This office has been in further contact with the company (RIAI Ltd) and they have made the required changes in order to comply with The European Communities (Companies) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.". It must be noted that RIAI Ltd was in breach of European Law since 1997. 27/10/2011 The Irish Times publishes an Alliance letter: "After Priory Hall" 26/10/2011 Alliance Member Tom Byrne receives a Commendation in the Single House in the Open Countryside category of the Clare County Council Design and Conservation Awards Scheme 2011. 21/10/2011 Minister Phil Hogan announces plans for mandatory certification in 2012:- "A MANDATORY certification process to ensure adequate standards in houses and apartments is to be introduced" 20/10/2011 Alliance Member Joe Fallon is shortlisted for the CMG "Architectural Practice of the Year" Award 12/10/2011 Priory Hall debacle becomes a major embarrassing news for the Irish Building Control system. 04/10/2011 Finian McGrath TD TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 433: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address the concerns of an alliance (details supplied). 27/09/2011 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 355: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend or review the Building Control Act 2007 to take account of persons who have long practised as architects but who do not meet the requirements of the Act; his plans to provide for an independent investigation into the appropriateness and fairness of the Act as it applies to such persons; 27/09/2011 Architects' Alliance presentation to the Technical Group of Independent Deputies. 14/09/2011 Minister Phil Hogan prescribes the Technical Assessment fee at €4,500. 14/09/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 572: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 14 May 2011, the position regarding his review of the fees charged for registration as an architect. 14/09/2011 Willie O'Dea TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 554: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide a technical assessment for architects, similar to that already provided for the grandfather surveyors under the Building Control Act 2007. 14/09/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 550: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the registration of architects as laid out under Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. 15/07/2011 EU Pilot Procedure announced to investigate the Irish registration system rules for Directive-rights architects 30/06/2011 A newly devised RIAI Ltd certificate is now required before Directive-rights Irish architects can avail of mutual recognition 15/06/2011 Alliance Members Adrian Turner & Joe Fallon have projectS published in PLAN Magazine 08/06/2011 Minister Phil Hogan appoints members to the Professional Conduct Committee and the Appeals Boards under Part 3 of the BCA 2007 01/06/2011 Eric Byrne TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 154: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the Building Control Act 2007, if he is committed to ensuring that a grandfather clause is implemented as regards Part 3 of the Act; if he will confirm that an independent auditing group for architects is established as opposed to the RIAI; and if he will ensure that a grandfather clause is instituted and that members of the Architects Alliance of Ireland are allowed to continue to practice and use the title architect. 01/06/2011 Ciarán Lynch TD is appointed as Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht 24/05/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 255: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 205 of 19 April 2011, the status of his reply to the correspondence referred to therein. 03/05/2011 John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose), PQ399: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 65 of the 31 March 2011, the cost to him of the two boards mentioned; the payments made to each board member and the chairperson; the future costs of the appeals board and professional practice committee once appointed; if he has considered a more cost effective and efficient way of dealing with this type of registration in view of the fact that to date there is only one application; 19/04/2011 Terence Flanagan TD to Minister Phil Hogan (answered by Minister of State Willie Penrose) PQ212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding aspects of the Building Control Act 2007 (details supplied); 31/03/2011 John McGuinness TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Building Control Act 2007, Part 3, the person who appoints the stage 3 interview board and the technical assessment board relevant to the evaluation process for applications; if the appeals board has been set up and if so, if he will name the board members and their qualifications; the number of appeals outstanding and the number of appeals dealt with; the time frame for each appeal; 24/03/2011 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD to Minister Phil Hogan, PQ58 : To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act to address the situation facing trained and qualified architects who are effectively being prevented from registering to use that title due to the excessive registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5582/11 18/03/2011 A detailed submission was made by the Alliance in response to the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive. The submission included an analysis of an Experience Report compiled by RIAI LTD as part of an official evaluation of the Professional Qualifications Directive. 10/03/2011 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Willie Penrose on his appointment as Minister of State for Housing and Planning. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Penrose's support in correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010. 09/03/2011 31st Dáil - The Architects' Alliance of Ireland has pleasure in congratulating Deputy Phil Hogan on his appointment as the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the 31st Dáil. The Alliance looks forward to Minister Hogan correcting the deficiencies in the Building Control Act 2007 that were identified by the Environment JOC at its Hearing of the 20th May 2010. 20/01/2011 The European Directorate for Education and Culture is organizing public consultations which are relevant to the registration of architects. The subjects of these consultations are "the Recognition of Professional, Qualifications" and "the Promotion and Validation of non-formal and informal Learning". All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute. See our News Page for more info. 29/11/2010 A legal Opinion prepared at the request of the Alliance by Mr Anthony M Collins SC was submitted to the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government. Mr Collins wrote: "I conclude that there is no conflict between the provisions of the Bill and the law of the European Union, notably the Directive". The Minister's office confirmed that Mr Collins' Opinion will be passed to the Attorney-General's office for his advice. 18/11/2010 News from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Limited was forced to admit to its persistent failure to properly disclose its true status - which is that of a Limited Company. The limited liability of its 2,800 or so members is One Euro per person. The obligation to disclose limited liability and the names of company directors is made under both the Companies Act and European law. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has accepted the company's assurance that it will henceforth use only fully compliant letterheads and websites. It seems that those legal disclosures have always been eschewed by RIAI Ltd. 16/11/2010 "GRANDFATHER" AMENDMENT ENDORSED. The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party gave its overwelming support to the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010. The Bill provides for the inclusion of a standard Grandfather Clause for architects in the Building Control Act 2007. Thanks to Deputy Máire Hoctor's successful Motion, the Bill has now progressed to formal examination by the Attorney-General. This is another hugely significant advance in the Alliance campaign. 11/11/2010 A significant meeting took place between the Alliance and Mr Gavin Daly, Special Advisor to Minister Ciarán Cuffe. Among the matters discussed was a widely circulated legal Opinion prepared by Mr Gerard Hogan SC on behalf of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Mr Hogan had concluded that the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010, if enacted, "would plainly be unlawful as contrary to requirements of EU law". The Alliance indicated its opposition and was invited to make a submission in writing for passing onto the Attorney-General. Also flagged were the procedural defects in the Building Control Act itself and the continuing harm caused by the premature opening of the Statutory Register for Architects. 10/11/2010 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 244: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 to take cognisance of a newly created category of architect (details supplied) and the impact that category has on Section 14(4) of the Act; if so, the further amendments he envisages making to the Act; 10/11/2010 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 243: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm, with particular regard to relevant case law (details supplied), that an architect who is eligible for registration in accordance with section 14(2)(b) of the Building Control Act 2007, is not obliged, once so registered, to remain a member of the relevant body in order to remain named on the register of architects 10/11/2010 Bernard Durkan TD Dáil debate, Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009: "The Building Control Act, which passed some years ago, was supposed to control, regulate and ensure development took place in an orderly fashion and that consumers and householders, whether renting or purchasing, were protected. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Nor does it happen yet." 05/11/2010 The UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) faces a long anticipated challenge over the disjuncture between the UK registration rules for UK Graduates. 27/10/2010 joe McHugh TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 480: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to amend the 2007 Building Control Act; if the requirements for inclusion on the Register of Architects will be changed; if any relevant secondary legislation or statutory instrument is envisaged; 21/10/2010 A private complaint pointing to a potential breach of European Law by Section 22 of the Building Control Act 2007 is being pursued by the European Commission. 09/10/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to discuss lobbying and other business. Alliance meetings with the Royal Institute are underway. 29/09/2010 Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1491: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Private Member's Bill published by Deputy O'Donoghue to amend the Building Control Act 2007; if he intends to introduce his own Bill further addressing the registration of architects; 29/09/2010 Michael Ring TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1486: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will move a Bill (details supplied) or amend the 2007 Act with particular reference to a certain clause; 29/09/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1458: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to amend the Building Control Act 2007 or move the Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 published by Deputy John O'Donoghue; 29/09/2010 Finian McGrath TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1447: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). 13/09/2010 A Stakeholder response was made by the Alliance to the European Commission's questionnaire on the Services Directive. 20/08/2010 ODCE Complaint - The Alliance lodged a formal complaint to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement regarding RIAI LTD's persistent failure to comply with the Company Law and EU Law disclosure rules for companies limited by guarantee. 07/08/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and for other business. An Executive Committee was elected. 16/07/2010 Former Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD introduced a Private Member's Bill to amend the Building Control Act 2007. The Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2010 provides a “grandfather clause” to enable long established, self-trained architects to reclaim their status. Mr O’Donoghue said the Bill would “prevent hundreds of working architects from losing out on their official status because they pursued a different route to qualification”. The Architects Alliance is delighted by Mr. O'Donoghue's initiative which will restore competition and consumer choice to the profession whilst correcting the injustices of the new registration regime. A lobbying programme in support of the Bill is now being prepared by the Alliance. 08/07/2010 Damien English TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 19: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government following the invitation formally issued by the Committee on 18 May 2010 to discuss the Building Control Act 2007 and the problems suffered by practically trained architects; 22/06/2010 James Reilly TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to address the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) regarding promoting diversity and choice in architecture; 22/06/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an invitation from the Joint Committee on Environment, Heritage and Local Government to appear before it to answer questions on the problems arising with architects from the imposition of the Building Control Act; if he has indicated if he will appear before the committee and when the committee can expect a response; 15/06/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 438: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that an Irish national is obliged to obtain UK citizenship to be assured of registration as an architect in his home State here (details supplied). 12/06/2010 A general meeting of the Alliance took place in Portlaoise to review progress and other business. A temporary Steering Committee was formed. 02/06/2010 Chris Andrews TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 163: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is considering the inclusion of a grandfather clause in the Building Control Act 2007, to counter the unintended impact that the implementation of Part 3 of the Act may have on some professionals in the area. 18/05/2010 Today's Joint Committee on the Environment Hearing was a resounding success for Architects' Alliance and for all architects disenfranchised by Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007. Thanks are due to the committee members and to the four "non-committee" Deputies who also made time to study the issues, attend and speak. Maureen O'Sullivan TD, who was present as an independent observer, has sent us a strong message of support. 12/05/2010 Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 217: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); 07/05/2010 As a result of lobbying by Architects' Alliance, the Joint Committee on the Environment has decided to call a meeting to consider the difficulties arising from Part 3 of the BCA 2007 and the absence of a Grandfather Clause in the Act. 27/04/2010 Fergus O'Dowd TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 325: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. 27/04/2010 Mary Upton TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 322: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. 27/04/2010 Finian McGrath TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 318: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). 19/04/2010 Following complaints from AA members and others, the National Consumer Agency has withdrawn a web page that encouraged consumers to employ only architects approved by RIAI Ltd and to avoid their competitors. The NCA is now reviewing its position. 15/04/2010 The Competition Authority has replied to Architects' Alliance's complaints against the registration procedure. The Competition Authority acknowledges the wrong doings of RIAI ltd, but does not have the power to take action against the regulator. 08/04/2010 The Law Society Gazette published an article from Architects’ Alliance to express members’ concerns about the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation by RIAI ltd. 27/03/2010 A members only meeting took place in Portlaoise today. Reports were delivered and strategy including our next steps were agreed. The formation of regional sub-committees will be encouraged. 22/03/2010 Architects' Alliance next meeting for members only Saturday 27th in Portloise. Contact us for more information. 12/03/2010 Architects' Alliance launches its new website. Another step towards the recognition of the alliance nationwide. 09/03/2010 Brian Hayes TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 356: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the unintended consequence that will follow the enactment and implementation of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, which deals with the protection of the title of architect; and if his attention has been further drawn to the damage to more than 1,000 architects and their families as a result of the enactment of this part of the Bill in question; 04/03/2010 Architects' Alliance prepares a complaint to The Competition Authority related to the inequitable and anti-competitive nature of part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 and its implementation. 04/03/2010 Paul Kehoe TD to Minister Mary Coughlan, PQ 47: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available to a person who wishes to seek redress for poor delivery of professional services from an architect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. 04/03/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 281 of 17 December 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons working in the field of architecture in France who are properly established and ensured taxes were paid for the five years before their cut off date were placed on the register of architects without hindrance; his views regarding the situation here; 02/03/2010 Ruairi Quinn TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 428: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will raise the matter of costs of registering as an architect here with an organisation (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the registration fee here is €490 while in the UK, it is £86; if he will further raise with the organisation the possibility of introducing a separate charge which would include registration but not automatic membership to its organisation; 01/03/2010 The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's ruling against the RIAI Ltd advertisements is aired by RTÉ 25/02/2010 An advertising campaign promoting a new register of architects has been deemed misleading after the broadcasting watchdog found it implied that "unqualified" architects could not be trusted. 18/02/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 178: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the manner in which the Building Control Act 2007 has been implemented regarding the registration of non-Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland architects; if the new registration process will be fully completed before officially launching a register of architects; his views on whether the premature launch of this register will have significant consumer choice or market distortion effects; 10/02/2010 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 270: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will suspend the progress of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 to allow further investigation and discussion in view of the concerns on the part of persons that will be affected if same will be implemented; 09/02/2010 The Law Society is maintaining its "10-year Rule" for certification.The caveats are much the same as in the past. Information and an advice note are to be prepared for issue to AA members. 19/01/2010 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 856: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will appoint the professional conduct committee to deal with matters in relation to the architectural profession; 17/12/2009 Liz McManus TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 308: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views regarding concerns from practising architects on the delays in the technical assessment process; his further views on the implementation of a new registration scheme for architects, when the technical assessment process is facing such delays and affects practising architects who cannot register and who do not qualify for automatic registration as an architect; 17/12/2009 Maureen O'Sullivan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 281: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make an amendment to the Building Control Act 2009 by providing a ministerial list, similar to one made by a Minister in 1997, to allow architects who have been working under law society guidelines for a period of ten years or more automatic entry to the register similar to those from the 1997 list. 09/12/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to radio advertisements by an organisation (details supplied) denigrating, as incompetent, architects who are not registered with that body; if his further attention has been drawn to the negative impact of such advertisements on experienced architects in legitimate practice who are in the process of registration; if he will take steps to prevent this unfair practice; 26/11/2009 Paul Kehoe TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 265: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views in view of the recent launch of the register of Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland on whether it is fair and equitable that a RIBA qualified architect practising here will be refused membership of the new register unless they complete a one-year course at a cost of E11,500 05/11/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley (answered by Minister of State Michael Finneran), PQ 205: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has prepared an advice note for companies (details supplied) which, for the past ten, 20 or 30 years have been legally trading under a name, style or title containing the word "architect"; 13/10/2009 George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 401: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason he has no plans to suspend Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 in view of the hardship that it is causing to architects; 06/10/2009 Alan Shatter TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 1007: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet an organisation (details supplied) to discuss with them their concerns about Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007; the consideration given by him to date to their concerns; 06/10/2009 George Lee TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 965: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on suspending Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007, in view of the effect it is having on experienced architects (details supplied); 24/09/2009 Ciarán Lynch TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 102: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be implemented; the provision which is being made to take account of the concerns raised by practising architects who are not members of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in regard to the registration process; if consideration has been given to the grandfather rule, as implemented in other jurisdictions; ../06/2009 Alliance Member Tom Byrne and his team partner Kostas Wootis win the Green Apple Conservation Award for the Built Environment (England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland) 18/12/2008 Martin Ferris TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 297 - To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his view on the number of architects qualifying under the technical assessment pilot scheme. 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 558: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the simultaneous commencement of Sections 18 and 21 of the Building Control Act 2007 has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 557: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will revoke Statutory Instrument No. 50 of 2008 and ensure that any further commencement of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be on a phased basis; 08/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 556: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that failure to delay the commencement of Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, until such time as the Technical Assessment Board is ready to receive applications has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; 01/05/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 192: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the proper technical board will be set up to vet new membership to the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland; 28/04/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; 17/04/2008 Phil Hogan TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 631: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the Building Control Act 2007 to remove anomalies regarding membership of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; 12/02/2008 Leo Varadkar TD to Minister to Minister John Gormley, PQ 608: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recommendations of the Competition Authority regarding architects that he has implemented to date; 11/12/2007 Leo Varadkar TD to Minister John Gormley, PQ 933: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response by his Department to the recommendations made to his Department by the Competition Authority in its March 2006 report on competition in the architecture profession;
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