Architects reject O’Keeffe’s claims of overcharging

ARCHITECTS have rejected claims by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe that they have been overcharging schools for building projects.

The minister told the Irish Examiner earlier this month he believes schools should no longer be paying 13.5% of the cost of works in architects’ fees, as he seeks greater value for money from his school building programme.

But the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has written to Mr O’Keeffe telling him this is incorrect and out of date with current practice.