asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the widespread public concern regarding the fact that security companies are established in this country by persons who do not have to undergo a full scrutiny by the Garda Síochána; where such companies operate without a licence and in view of this if he will introduce legislation whereby such companies will be obliged to operate under licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Security Companies.
38.
I am aware that concern is expressed from time to time that security companies can be established and operate here without some form of licensing.
As has been pointed out a number of times in recent years by a number of my predecessors as Minister for Justice, in response to parliamentary questions on this matter, the introduction of any system of registration of security firms raises issues of considerable difficulty. For example, a system designed to provide for the exclusion of persons from this type of business on the basis of, say, a past criminal record, could raise very serious issues relating to the rights of the people concerned. Similarly, if a registration system were to attempt to provide for minimum standards of commercial practice by those engaged in the business, serious questions would arise as to the criteria to be applied in the determination of those standards.
I am not satisfied that an answer to the problems posed by shortcomings in the operation of security firms is to be found in statutory controls. These problems are not peculiar to this country but are known to exist in virtually every other western European country and I am not aware that a satisfactory solution, either in legislative terms or otherwise, has been found in any country. The position here is being kept under review.