The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department.
The issues referred to in the Deputy's Question address operational issues, which are matters solely for the Private Security Authority. have been advised by the Authority that they will reply directly to the Deputy on the issues raised by him. I would moreover point out that the role of the Private Security Authority is to control and supervise persons providing security services and to maintain and improve standards in the provision of those services. A system of licensing ensures that only those persons who are qualified to the required standards, and vetted by the Gardaí, are permitted to operate in any of the licensable sectors of the industry.
While the purchase of an intruder alarm system does not require a license, it is an offence under section 37 of the Act to install one on a commercial basis without a PSA licence, unless otherwise exempted. A core function of the Authority is to investigate all those operating illegally, outside of the licensing regime, and also those who engage their services. It has been an offence since August 2006, under Section 38 of the Act to engage unlicensed contractors and consequently a person found to have engaged such a contractor is committing an offence. In this regard, the Private Security Authority can, pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Act investigate any security services being provided by any person.