Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
676. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Justice the number of licenses issued by the Private Security Authority since March 2020; and if her Department has sought meetings with the authority to expedite waiting lists caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. [36883/20]
View answerThe Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is responsible for the licensing and regulation of the private security industry in the State. The PSA is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department and I have no involvement in the day-to-day operations of the Authority.
However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy I have had inquiries made of the PSA and I have been informed that they issued the following licences from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020:
- Individual Licences: 7,034
- Temporary Individual Licences (Static): 202
- Contractor Licences: 365
I am further informed that there have been no delays in issuing licences due to Covid-19 and therefore no waiting lists. However, the PSA is aware that there are 8 contractors (5 locksmith and 3 Access Control) who are new entrants to the security industry and have been unable to gain the certification prescribed for licensing because of Level 5 restrictions.
The certification process requires visits to the contractors place of business and the inspection of records and verification of work practices. I can advise that certification should resume when the Level 5 restrictions are lifted.
