John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will be prompt as I am aware that there are urgent and pressing matters awaiting in the form of an imminent announcement in the Dáil about the deal on the Anglo Irish Bank promissory note.

My question to the Minister of State is straightforward. As the Minister of State is aware, last October the Private Security Authority, PSA, under a ministerial statutory instrument, initiated a new form of licensing regime for people working in the private security sector installing security-related equipment such as CCTV cameras, electronic gates, electronic security barriers and so on. It is important that we have regulation and proper standards and that we do not have rogue operators and cowboy operators such as those who were involved in other sectors of the building industry over the years, much to the detriment of consumers and tradesmen. In this instance, however, the licensing regime is draconian. The licensing fee is far too hefty. It is causing severe hardship in this sector. It is punitive and is putting a lot of pressure on small electrical contractors and small businesses who do not have the resources to meet this level of licensing fee, and it must be renewed biannually. While it is important to have regulation it is also important that it is fair rather than punitive.

I understand that the Minister for Justice and Equality has agreed to enter into a review process with the PSA and that process is drawing to a conclusion. What stage is it at now and when will the Minister make an announcement that will hopefully allay and assuage the fears of people and contractors working in that sector?