Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new initiatives he proposes to take to crack down on infiltration of the security industry by criminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21791/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has observed any evidence to the effect that criminal elements have infiltrated the security industry at nightclubs or special events; the efforts which are ongoing to combat this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21794/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 199 together.

I continue to be concerned that there is some evidence of unacceptable elements entering the private security industry. My concern with regard to door management was one of the reasons I brought forward legislation to regulate the private security industry. The Private Security Authority, which was established in October 2004, will commence a phased rollout of licensing of the private security industry in October 2005. I understand that the authority proposes to commence licensing contractors providing door supervisor and security guarding services.

The authority has put in place stringent criteria to protect the industry from infiltration by criminals. All licence applicants will undergo criminal records checking by the Garda Síochána. This will apply to employees, principals and directors of private security companies. Contractors supplying private security services will be required to provide valid tax clearance certificates. The authority has contracted the National Standards Authority of Ireland to develop a suite of standards for each sector of the industry. Compliance with these standards will also be a prerequisite for the issuance of a contractor's licence. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána is continually monitoring developments in the security industry to ensure, in so far as is possible, that all breaches of criminal law are detected.