Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
302. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the Private Security Authority protocol in place for events where there are a mixture of registered security personnel and volunteers for example, sporting events operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17228/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Private Security Authority (PSA), an agency of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the regulation of the private security industry in Ireland including the event security sector. Those regulated by the PSA must meet prescribed standards and training requirements. They are also vetted by the National Vetting Bureau of An Garda Síochána.
Contractors providing event security services have required a licence since 2014. Since the 1 November 2022, licensing has been extended to those working at events.
Event security personnel and event stewards or volunteers undertake different roles. Event stewards or volunteers may not be used for event security roles and the insurance of licensed contractors does not permit this. Event stewards or volunteers are not licensed by the PSA and their role is defined under Clause 2.17 of PSA 39:2014. Tasks which may be undertaken by event stewards or volunteers include:
Checking tickets.
Directing persons to seats, facilities or other areas of a venue during the normal course of an event.
Providing safety advice and assistance.
Ensuring all entrances, exits, passageways, stairway and other concourses are kept clear for health and safety purposes.
Checking and reporting of any matter posing a risk to the health and safety of persons.
Observation and reporting of crowd dynamics.
Traffic management.
An Event Steward or volunteer may not undertake any task of a security nature. Such tasks include but are not limited to:
Preventing unauthorised entry to the playing area or any other area at a sports venue.
Removal of persons from venue.
Protection of property (inside or outside the venue).
Protection of persons.
Searching for and controlling of prohibited goods, items or other objects.
The PSA standard for the licensing of event security contractors, PSA 39:2014, is available on the standards page of their website, www.psa-gov.ie/standards-required-for-licensing/. If a sporting organisation requires advice in relation to PSA licensing matters they can contact the PSA at info@psa-gov.ie.
