Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The private security sector was generally unregulated prior to the introduction of the Private Security Services Act 2004 and lack of regulation was an understandable source of public concern. Since its establishment, the Private Security Authority has driven a considerable and welcome transformation of the private security industry.

The 2004 Act provides that the authority shall be independent in the exercise of its functions. The authority comprises a practising barrister or solicitor of not less than five years standing, representatives of An Garda Síochána, private security employers and employees and relevant Government interests. Accordingly, under the legislation the decision on whether to grant a licence in a particular case is solely a matter for the authority. The composition of the authority ensures that a wide range of experience is available to it in making such decisions. There is, of course, close co-operation between the authority and An Garda Síochána and, as already stated, representatives from An Garda Síochána are on the authority.

The authority commenced licensing security contractors in 2006 and this was followed by the licensing of individuals employed in the industry in 2007. At present, almost 800 licensed contractors and over 23,000 licensed individuals are operating in the security industry here. It is important to recognise the positive sea change this has brought about, in the public interest, in the operation of the private security sector.

I accept that as the authority continues its work and expands its operations within the private security sector that lessons will be learned. However, given the short period for which it has been in existence, I am of the opinion that a fundamental review of its operation would be premature at this stage.

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