Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 683: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the strategic plan required under section 9 of the Private Security Services Act 2004 will be published by the Private Security Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14842/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Private Security Authority that, as provided for under section 9 of the Private Security Services Act 2004, the authority's strategy statement is currently being prepared. I understand that the strategy statement will be finalised in the coming months and will be presented to me for approval, following which I shall arrange for a copy to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 684: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the security firms involved in the three recent robberies of cash in transit had licences issued by the Private Security Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14843/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Private Security Authority was established under the Private Security Services Act 2004 to regulate the private security industry. Part of its function under the Act is to licence companies and persons providing a whole range of security services. The authority has already commenced licensing contractors providing private security services in the door supervisor and security guarding areas as well as licensing for suppliers and installers of intruder alarms. I understand that the authority proposed to licence all other sectors of the industry on a phased basis thereafter.

It was intended to introduce licensing of the cash movement sector at the end of a voluntary compliance period where the industry would be given time within which to bring its standards up to the requisite approved standards, which would form the basis for licensing. The incidents to which the Deputy refers highlighted to me that a radical lapse in standards had occurred. As a result, the chief executive of the Private Security Authority has advised me that she will table proposals for the introduction of mandatory licensing of this sector as quickly as possible.