Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2021
280. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if security companies will be made to provide their employees with stab vests and body CCTV cameras while working in the interest of safety and security. [17769/21]
View answerThe 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.
The Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) sets out the security services licensable by the Authority. I have no involvement in the day to day operations of the PSA.
I am informed by the Authority, that all contractors licensed by them are required to comply with prescribed standards.
In the case of contractors in the security guarding and door supervisor sectors the prescribed standard is PSA 28:2013, Standard For The Licensing Of Door Supervisors (Licensed Premises) And Security Guard (Static) Contractors. Under this standard contractors are required to undertake a risk assessment at all locations where a security service is being provided.
As part of the risk assessment, contractors must assess the risks that security personnel might face, including risks from violence and outline and implement risk mitigating measures to eliminate or significantly diminish any identified risks.
Risk mitigating measures may include the use of personal protective equipment or technology.
The Authority has advised me that where body CCTV cameras are used it is important that all statutory requirements under Data Protection legislation are met by the contractor as failure to do so may result in the Authority taking action against their licence.
