Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will urgently assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if he will take action regarding the new inspectorate costs which are damaging for a small operator; and if he will act on this matter. [11832/07]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it will cost compliant alarm installers €2,000 to €3,000 to continue to service and maintain alarm systems under the Private Security Authority; the regulatory impact assessment that was carried out on this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.

The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Authority is independent in the exercise of its statutory functions. The Board of the Authority is comprised of industry, employee and employer representatives and is responsible for implementing the legislation and developing policy in this area.

I am informed that the licensing of contractors installing intruder alarms commenced on 1 August 2006. In the interest of creating an equitable licensing regime which acknowledges the differing sizes of different businesses, the Board agreed to introduce a sliding scale of licence fees for contractors, depending on turnover. For smaller businesses the total licence and administration fee, for a licence lasting two years, is €2,250.

Regulation of the private security industry is being carried out by the Authority on a phased basis in full consultation with the industry and key stakeholders. The private security industry itself supports regulation and had actively campaigned for it for many years. The provision of a regulatory environment for the industry will increase confidence in its operation. It is the case, however, that regulation will lead to some cost implications for operators in the various sectors. Ultimately, it is the industry and the consumer who will benefit from the licensing regime introduced by the PSA.

In relation to regulatory impact, Government approval of the heads of the Private Security Services Bill 2001 — and the legislative process which lead to the Private Security Services Act 2004 — predated the introduction of Regulatory Impact Assessment. However, I am assured that the Private Security Authority is conscious of its responsibility to regulate in a way that promotes positive change in the industry without overburdening it.