Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
491. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice if enforcement officers are currently covered by the Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law by the President on 12 July 2021. This is an important piece of legislation allowing the Government to bring the regulation and licensing of security personnel assisting those enforcing court orders for evictions and repossessions within the remit of the Private Security Authority.
The 2021 Act provides for the insertion of an additional category and a definition of ‘enforcement guard’ in the list of security services covered by the Private Security Services Act 2004. Bringing enforcement guards within the remit of the Private Security Authority will require them to obtain a licence to operate and ensure that they are subject to the training standards and licensing regime operated by the Authority.
Sections 1, 3 – 8 and Section 2(1)(a), other than insofar as it relates to the insertion of the definitions of “court messenger” and “enforcement guard” into section 2(1) of the Private Security Services Act 2004 (No. 12 of 2004), were commenced on 21 July 2021. Section 2(1)(a) provides for the inclusion of an additional category and a definition of an 'enforcement guard' in the list of security services covered by the Private Security Services Act 2004.
The Authority are currently developing the training and standards required for this new category of security service. In conjunction with this work, the Authority are preparing the regulations that will be needed to prescribe the licensing of enforcement guards and it is the intention to commence Section 2(1)(a) as soon as the regulations are complete.
