asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why legislation has not yet been introduced to provide for statutory registration to protect the architectural profession in the context of EEC directives.

The EEC Council have not yet adopted a directive dealing with architects, though one is under consideration. However, I have been proceeding with legislation to protect the title of architect here. In the drafting of legislation constitutional issues have arisen and until these issues are resolved the legislation cannot proceed. I am, however, making every effort to make progress.

The Parliamentary Secretary will know that this is a similar answer to the one he gave me two years ago.

It is not the same.

What is the difference?

The constitutional difficulties have been identified at this stage as a problem and are receiving attention now. Two years ago investigations prior to legislation were taking place but no constitutional problem had been identified.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate to what extent it may be repugnant to the Constitution? This applies to all the professions, or will, in the context of our membership of the Community.

In order to get the answer to the question posed by the Deputy the inquiries presently in hand are taking place.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary using this as an excuse for the delay which is taking place in relation to a profession which have been asking for this for the last three or four years?

I realise the profession have been asking for this but the difficulties I referred to are real.