Private Security Authority Membership

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Ceisteanna (417)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

417. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason small contractors are being squeezed out by the Private Security Authority; and if he will act on this matter. [33085/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, the Private Security Authority (PSA), 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. Contractors operating in the Cash-In-Transit, Door Supervisor, Security Guarding and Installer of Security Equipment sectors of the private security industry are currently subject to licensing and are therefore required to pay a licence fee to the Authority. I am aware of the concerns of smaller contractors within the private security industry and I expect measures to ameliorate their position to be introduced shortly.