Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2016
45. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the increased use of private security firms during eviction proceedings in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32395/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a private security company involved in an eviction (details supplied) in County Clare was licensed in accordance with the law; if the company complied with legal procedures during this eviction; if the company presented an execution order to the owner of the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32396/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
The matter to which the Deputy refers relates to the execution of a repossession order. As the Deputy is aware, I have no role in relation to executing court orders. The courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. It is therefore not open to me to comment or intervene in any way on the conduct or decision of a particular court case which is a matter entirely for the presiding judge.
The County Registrar, acting as Sheriff, is responsible to the Court for the Enforcement of the Court Orders and the law and procedures governing the execution of Court Orders is contained in the Enforcement of Court Orders Acts, 1926 to 1940 and the Rules of Court made thereunder and I have no function in this matter. Any dispute in relation to the enforcement of a Court Order is a matter for the Courts.
The Deputy may also be aware that the Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department and the legislation identifies the following security services as licensable by the PSA: Door Supervisor, Installer of Security Equipment, Locksmith, Private Investigator, Provider of Protected Forms of Transport, Security Consultant, Security Guard and Supplier or Installer of Safes. The execution of repossession orders is not a matter which falls within the remit of the Authority.
