I wish to inform the Deputy that the Private Security Authority, an independent agency under the remit of my Department, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. I am informed that the Authority issues two types of licence, both of which are valid for a period of two years. Details are as follows: Contractor Licences which are required by companies, partnerships and sole traders and Individual Licences which are required by all those working in the security sector within the State whether employed by a licensed contractor or directly by a business as in house security personnel.
The table sets out the number of valid applications received by the Authority for the years 2010, 2011 and to the end of October 2012.
Year
|
Contractor
Applications
|
Individual
Applications
|
2010
|
477
|
13,715
|
2011
|
316
|
12,179
|
2012 (to 31st Oct)
|
397
|
13,603
|