Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Yes, although I am not happy to make a blanket statement that no security service mentioned in the Bill could ever be provided by gardaí. For example, I do not want to say it would be wrong for a garda to have an interest in a locksmith business. It is clearly inappropriate, however, for gardaí to act as door staff in venues with which other gardaí are likely to have business. This would be quite wrong. I have emphasised, however, that this is a matter for Garda legislation and regulations. It is not really a matter for private security industry legislation.

Mention was made of prison officers and members of the Defence Forces. I have no objection in principle to a prison officer acting as a security person in his or her own time at a rock concert, race meeting, Croke Park or Lansdowne Road. One of my aims as Minister is to return to prison officers as much of their own time as possible. Therefore, I do not want to be draconian and say they cannot provide useful services in the time I am returning to them under my proposals.

I also do not see anything wrong in principle with members of the Defence Forces providing security services at sports events such as the Budweiser Derby. I do not see why they should not participate in such activities, providing it does not conflict with their obligations as members of the Defence Forces. We need different approaches to different situations but I agree with the notion that it is inherently undesirable for members of the Garda Síochána to work as bouncers during their spare time. They are not permitted to do so. The potential for conflict of interest would be serious.

The legislation went through a detailed examination in the Dáil. It was by no means cursory. Committee Stage of the legislation went on for a number of days and valuable changes were made, some of which I outlined to the House, including provisions to prevent abuse of the European right of establishment to circumvent licensing regulations. The Bill, although it may not be perfect, is robust legislation which should prove adequate for the establishment of the Private Security Authority. Although problems may arise with it in a number of years, as happens to nearly all legislation that is the first to deal with a particular area, it can be commended to the House with a degree of confidence.

I look forward to Committee and remaining Stages in this House but, above all, I look forward to the Bill's passing into law. It is remarkable that even in the 21st century we have no legislation in this area, for the reasons mentioned by all Senators. I thank all Members for their constructive and thoughtful contributions and look forward to having the Bill processed through the appropriate Stages of consideration and established in law as soon as possible.