Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit arís go dtí an Teach. This is short legislation but as he mentioned, it is very important. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I am delighted to support it, as it brings much-needed regulation to the area of private security operations and their work. It is important that those who are tasked with overseeing security procedures are properly licensed and there should be proper oversight of their activities.

We are all familiar with the sight that the Minister of State alluded to earlier of evictions taking place in our country and it is a sight none of us wants to see. I propose that all avenues in such matters be fully exhausted before the thought of eviction is considered. It is important that all possibility of mediation is exhausted before getting to that point because nobody wants to see anybody removed forcibly from a premises. I am thankful it is a sight we do not see too often in this country. It is not something we want to see happening again.

I am delighted to support the legislation. I commend Deputy Ó Laoghaire, who introduced a Private Members' Bill on the matter a number of years ago. It is good to see the Houses have come together with this legislation to address these concerns and provide much-needed regulation and oversight in the area.