Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2014
138. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason for the delay in introducing EU security standards for components such as doors, locks and windows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39753/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that I do not have responsibility for the introduction of the EU standards referred to by the Deputy, or for the National Standards Authority of Ireland, as the official standards body.
I can however advise him that An Garda Síochána have published a number of Crime Prevention leaflets on Home Security which are available on the Garda website, and that crime prevention advice in relation to home security generally is available from local crime prevention and community policing officers. The Garda Crime Prevention leaflets provide information in relation to the relevant EU and other standards for external entry/exit doors, locks and windows to ensure that they are designed to withstand forced intrusion to an acceptable level.
I might add that the Private Security Authority (PSA), which comes within my own remit, is the statutory body responsible for the licensing and regulation of the private security industry. The PSA has adopted a phased approach to the roll-out of licensing and is currently concluding the development of a Standard for licensing of locksmiths. This standard will solely relate to the licensing of contractors working in the locksmith sector. By the end of the year the PSA intends to make an announcement on the timeframe for the licensing of this sector. It is anticipated that licensing will commence in 2015.
