Paul Kehoe
Question:233 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the private security authority will be put in place and representatives appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18298/04]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2004
Questions (233)
Written answers
The Private Security Services Act 2004 was signed into law on 4 May of this year. The Act allows for, inter alia, the establishment of a private security authority to control and supervise persons providing security services and maintain and improve standards in the provision by them of those services.
The Act provides that the authority shall consist of not more than 11 members who will be appointed by me as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The legislation is specific in terms of the background of those to be appointed as members, outlining that the members of the authority shall include the following: at least one person who is a practising barrister, or practising solicitor, of not less than five years' standing; two persons each of whom the Minister considers to be representative of private security employers; two persons each of whom the Minister considers to be representative of employees of such employers; the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána or such other member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of assistant commissioner as the Commissioner may nominate in that behalf; an officer of the Minister; a representative of any other Minister of the Government who, in the opinion of the Minister, is directly concerned with or responsible for activities relevant to the functions of the authority; and one member of the staff of the authority.
I intend to invite nominations to establish the authority shortly. In the meantime the necessary preliminary arrangements are being made on staffing matters, including the arrangements necessary for the recruitment of a chief executive.