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.
The Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) sets out the security services licensable by the Authority. I have no involvement in the day to day operations of the PSA.
The Private Security Authority currently regulates contractors across 12 different sectors of the security industry and employees across four sectors. Dates for the licensing of employees in the event security and private investigator sectors will be announced later this year.
The training requirements for each sector are quite specific and the requirements for those working as a security guard in a retail environment are significantly different from those required by a door supervisor or event security personnel.
Currently there are two separate level 4 minor QQI (Quality Qualifications Ireland) awards for security guarding skills and door security procedures. These can be combined by training providers and offered as a single course to participants who wish to be trained in both sectors. The combined course includes elements of CCTV monitoring, conflict resolution and self-defence relevant to the role of a PSA licensed security guard or door supervisor.
Following consultation with security employer and employee representatives and training providers, two new QQI courses which will replace the current awards are being developed and will be available from January 2022.
These new courses have revised and updated the current learner outcomes and also introduce additional outcomes to enhance the skills of the trainee. In addition, I am advised that the Authority is engaged with training providers on the development of a new physical intervention course which they plan to launch in 2022.
