Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2017
58. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation her views on whether the refusal of 40 security companies to pay the recent increase set by the ERO for the security industry undermines such orders; the steps she will take to ensure workers receive this increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31847/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy as previously advised, the Inspection and Enforcement Services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) monitor employment conditions to ensure compliance with and, where necessary, the enforcement of employment rights legislation.
Prior to 1 June last, SI No. 417 of 2015 Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2015, which came into operation on 1 October 2015 applied in the Security Sector. The following table sets out the detail relating to inspections carried out in the Security Sector between 1 October 2015 and 31 May 2017:
|
Security Sector |
No. Inspections |
No. of Employers in Breach |
|
Oct-Dec 2015 |
3 |
2 |
|
2016 |
17 |
5 |
|
2017 (to 31 May) |
5 |
2 |
Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2017 (SI No. 231 of 2017) came into effect from 1 June last and revokes the 2015 Order.
A similar number of inspections will be carried out in the sector this year under the new order as were previously carried out under the 2015 Order.
Employees in the sector who feel that their employment rights have been contravened can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission. The Commission’s Information Officers may also be contacted at 1890 808090 or through the website www.workplacerelations.ie for information on employment rights and entitlements.
The Workplace Relations Commission has been advised that there is evidence to suggest that a number of security companies have indicated their intention not to implement the provisions of the Employment Regulation Order (Security Industry Joint Labour Committee) 2017 though it is not aware of the identities of the companies concerned. I would ask you Deputy to pass on any information you have to the Workplace Relations Commission about alleged non-compliance with the Order.
The Private Security Authority (PSA) is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. The PSA is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality and my Department is represented on its Board.
It has, in accordance with the Private Security Services Acts 2004 and 2011, a statutory mandate which includes:
Granting and renewing licences.
Issuing identity cards to licensees.
Suspending and revoking licences.
Establishing and maintaining a register of licensees.
Specifying standards to be observed in the provision of security services.
Specifying qualifications or requirements for the granting of licences.
It sets down the requirements which contractors are expected to meet and maintain in order to comply with the licensing regulations of the Authority. One such requirement is compliance with relevant legislation. The Employment Regulation Order that’s in place for the sector falls into this category.
Employers that do not comply therefore with the terms of the Employment Regulation Order risk having their licenses suspended or revoked. If this were to happen then the employer concerned would no longer be able to legally operate in the Security Sector.
