Ivor Callely
Question:45 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if he has considered putting regulations in place or introducing statutory licensing for private investigators; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Private Investigators.
Before any system of statutory control of private investigators could reasonably be proposed to the Oireachtas it would be necessary to devise a system of control (including the setting and maintenance of standards) that would be effective, fair and capable of being enforced at a cost that was not excessive in relation to the scope of the problem it was intended to deal with. The introduction of such a system would raise issues of considerable difficulty. A system which attempted to provide for minimum standards of commercial practice by those involved in this business would give rise to serious questions as to the criteria to be applied in the determination of such standards.
I have no plans to introduce such a system at present but the position will continue to be kept under review.
I might add that private investigators, in providing their services, are of course subject to the general criminal and civil law.