Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Security Industry.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

135 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce legislation to licence the Irish security industry which includes the doormen in clubs here; the number of reported incidents both inside and outside these clubs in the past two years; the number of court cases pending in relation to these incidents; if he will confirm recent newspaper reports that a group (details supplied) and other illegal organisations control over 50% of the people who work on the doors of these establishments in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25402/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I can inform the Deputy that I am proposing to arrange for publication, in this session, of the Bill to regulate the private security industry in line with recommendations contained in the Report of the Consultative Group on the Private Security Industry. The text of the Bill is in the process of being finalised by the Parliamentary Counsel.

On the information sought by the Deputy regarding reported incidents inside and outside clubs, I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Garda statistics are not compiled in a manner which would enable the information sought to be provided and could only be obtained by the diversion of staff from other important work.

I can inform the Deputy, however, that all incidents reported to the Garda are the subject of appropriate action.

The Deputy will also appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on recent newspaper speculation in this regard.