Private Security Authority

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

Ceisteanna (1085)

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

1176 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if legislation exists or is proposed which would allow the Private Security Authority to be made aware of either investigations or settlements made by individuals with the Criminal Assets Bureau; if in his view the existing law is defective in that such information is not passed on to the regulatory authority, or alternatively in determining whether or not an individual can be granted a licence, the authority cannot have regard to the work of the Criminal Assets Bureau in respect of persons so affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33776/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The Private Security Services Act 2004, which established the Private Security Authority, provides the legislative background under which the Authority operates and under which private security licences are granted. The vetting of applicants by an Garda Síochána is an integral part of the licensing process and since the Authority commenced licensing in 2006 over 37,000 persons have been vetted by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on behalf of the Authority.

The Authority has additional powers under Section 34 of the aforementioned Act to request information from the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and this allows for the Authority to seek information which may not be available through the vetting process. Powers are also available under Section 13 of the Act to request information as part of an investigation being conducted by the Authority.

I am informed that the Authority is satisfied that the powers currently available to it are sufficient for its purpose. I have therefore no proposals to amend the legislation in this regard.