Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
677. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Justice if consideration has been given to a possible extension to licenses issued by the Private Security Authority that are set to expire in the coming months to reflect the period that locksmiths were out of work and may not be in a position to cover this significant expense. [36885/20]
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.
The duration of licences and the requirements for obtaining a licence are matters for the Board of the PSA.
However, I can inform the Deputy that in April 2020, the Board of the PSA submitted proposals to my Department for a change in the licence fee for contractors. This proposal took account of the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on the security industry at that time, and also the additional costs which will arise from implementing the new health and safety requirements in the workplace. Having considered this matter against the backdrop of evolving arrangements for reopening society and business, I requested the Board of the PSA to review their proposal in light what might be the continuing impact of COVID-19 on the security industry.
An updated proposal was recently received from the PSA and I intend to consider this latest proposal accordingly.
