Seamus Kirk
Question:103 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to regulate the private security industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1717/95]
Written Answers. - Private Security Industry.
This matter has been considered by my predecessors on a number of occasions in recent years and it has been found that statutory regulation, including the setting and maintenance of standards of private security firms, would raise issues of considerable difficulty. Regulations which aim to provide for minimum standards of commercial practice by those involved in the security business would give rise to serious questions as to the criteria to be applied in the determination of such standards.
However, concerns have been expressed for some time over the lack of such regulations, and I share these concerns. I can assure the Deputy that it is an area which I will have examined again in my Department and any proposals I have by way of legislation would be brought before the Government for approval in the usual way, and announced in the normal manner.
I should add, of course, that private security firms like everybody else are bound by the law. If the Deputy is aware of any particular matters involving private security firms which, in his view, require investigation, I will be glad to hear from him in this regard.