Vol. 442 No. 1
21 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the general public concern at the activities of private investigators; the plans, if any, she has for a system of statutory control over private investigators; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that concern is expressed from time to time that private investigators can operate here without some form of licensing.
There are certain similarities between the issues that arise in this area and those that arise in relation to security firms. As has been pointed out many times in recent years by my predecessors, the introduction of a system of control (including the setting and maintenance of standards) raises issues of considerable difficulty. A system which attempted to provide for minimum standards of commerical practice by those involved in this area would give rise to serious questions as to the criteria to be applied in the determination of such standards, and would raise serious issues in relation to individual rights.
I have no plans to introduce such a system at present but the position will continue to be kept under review.
Private investigators are, of course, subject to the general criminal and civil law in relation to the services they provide.
