Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
643 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation he proposes to bring forward to licence all sectors of the private security industry under the remit of the Private Security Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Private Security Authority, 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 activities in the private security industry which are, or will be, subject to licensing.
Licensing is being introduced on a phased basis by the Authority, who currently licence contractors in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises), Security Guard (Static), Security Guard (Monitoring Centre), Installer (Intruder Alarm) and Cash In Transit sectors. Individuals working in the Door Supervisor (Licensed Premises) and Security Guard (Static) sectors, whether employed by a licensed contractor or directly by a business as in house security personnel, also require a licence.
Last month, I consented to the making of Regulations by the PSA to extend licensing, from 1st October 2012, to contractors installing CCTV and Access Control systems. This completes the Authority's licensing of contractors in the electronic security sector.
I am informed by the Authority that it is currently planning to introduce the licensing of certain individuals working in the Cash In Transit sector later on this year, as well as the licensing of contractors in the CCTV Monitoring and Event Security sectors in 2013. It is not possible to give a precise date, at this stage, for the regulation of the remaining sectors.
