Seanad debates

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

Private Security Services (Amendment) Bill 2021: Second Stage

 

9:00 am

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions and for facilitating the quick progression of this Bill through the Seanad today. This amending Bill will address a gap that was necessary to close, and will bring the new category of "enforcement guard" under the remit of the Private Security Authority's licensing regime. The Government has moved to ensure that private security firms and their employees who are engaged on foot of A High Court order are properly regulated. This will also ensure proper licensing and appropriate training to operate in this sector under the Private Security Authority.

We do not want to see the repeat of situations we saw in the recent past, which were recalled here today. Already challenging circumstances that led to the course of events requiring a High Court order have been put under further strain by this lack of regulation. I am pleased that we have been able to bring clarity to this element of a very difficult situation.

It is important that we address the concerns that have arisen at these flash points. Amending this legislation and broadening the remit of the Private Security Authority to include enforcement guards will address this lack of regulation. We are all at one that the court's orders must be upheld, but they need to be upheld, if necessary, by persons who are properly regulated, who are identifiable, and who have been appropriately trained.

I have outlined the main provisions of the Bill previously in this House, and I thank the Senators for their engagement on the Bill. I reiterate the importance of this Bill. The Bill before us today is proof of the Government's commitment to promote and ensure best practice in the industry. Private security staff occupy a position of trust. They engage in regular interactions with members of the public. With this in mind I strongly believe that those providing such security should operate at the very highest of standards. I am pleased that with the introduction of these amendments the Private Security Authority can continue to provide its important role in regulating the private security industry.

I am happy to give Senator Martin the update he seeks post enactment of this legislation. The legislation will commence as soon as possible. A number of regulations need to be approved on details that we had decided not to put into the legislation itself: namely to ensure they match with the Private Security Authority's requirements. These are already in train and the legislation will be commenced as soon as possible. I thank the Senators.

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