Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Lappin is very welcome to the committee. Given the questions I have, I was interested to hear in his opening remarks that he has a background in electronics. The PSA's job is to regulate and license the private security industry. I endorse Deputy Seán Kenny's points and focus on certain details. Does Mr. Lappin accept that Irish electricians are highly certified and qualified to install alarms and other devices? It is often forgotten that we have such a highly qualified, certified group of electricians. They feel they are being left down by the PSA. It is a mood out there. One electrician has a turnover of €55,000, of which the CCTV portion represents €4,000. The fees to the PSA are €2,500. Financially, that is very hard on a small business person. If he does not pay the fee, he will lose much of the €4,000 CCTV contract he gets per year. It is an issue that must be addressed.

When the PSA was looking for external inspectors, the advertisement turned up in the magazine of the Garda Representative Association. Under the section on qualifications and experience, the advertisement said applicants must have a strong background in undertaking investigations through personal interaction with the public, including face-to-face interviewing, good administrative planning and scheduled skills. Why was the advertisement turning up in the magazine of the Garda Representative Association? What direct experience do these people have in the electrical and alarms business generally?

Is it lawful under EU competition law for the Private Security Authority to treat small contractors with modest turnover in the same way as contractors with a turnovers of €650,000 or more? This is something we are concerned about. I want to represent the interests of small providers as opposed to the major ones, as the former are often forgotten. It is particularly so during a significant downturn when small, self-employed electricians are being hammered. They are fighting for survival. I want to represent that voice. Is it lawful under EU law to prohibit small contracts when carrying out maintenance of alarm systems, as will be the case when the maintenance of alarm systems is included in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011? I raise these issues, Chairman, to ensure Mr. Lappin has some feel for what is going on in the broader community. It is my job as a Member of the Oireachtas to raise these issues and ask these questions.