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Private Security Authority Fees

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Questions (904)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

904. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider instructing the Private Security Authority to waive the registration and audit fees for businesses who must register with the PSA, in instances in which the businesses can prove they are not currently in profit, or the payment of such fees would result in losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/13]

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Written answers

The Private Security Authority (PSA), 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.

Currently contractors operating in the Cash-In-Transit, Door Supervisor, Security Guarding and Installer of Security Equipment sectors of the private security industry are subject to PSA licensing and are therefore required to pay a licence fee to the Authority. The Authority is however fully aware of the difficulties faced by the industry at this time and continues to seek ways of easing the burden of regulation while at the same time meeting its statutory obligations. I am informed that the Authority operates an instalment payment option to assist contractors with paying for their licence fees and anyone who wishes to consider pursuing this option should contact the PSA directly.

While it is not envisaged that businesses would be exempt from fees, the Authority and my Department have been in consultation about a review of the PSA's licence fees for smaller contractors. Any change in such fees however requires the drafting of a new Statutory Instrument and my Department is in regular contact with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in this regard and has asked that it be given priority. It is expected that this process will be completed in the near future and I will then be in a position to make an announcement on the matter.

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