Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the course of studies required for persons working in the security industry following the introduction of legislation by his Department to regulate the industry; the location at which these courses are available; if there are arrangements in place to facilitate people already working in the industry to take these courses, especially for those who live in parts of the country where these are not available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14008/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, the Private Security Authority, PSA, is currently licensing individuals in the Door Supervisor and Security Guarding sectors of the private security industry.

Applicants for a licence in the above sectors must hold a relevant Further Education and Training Awards Council, FETAC, qualification or equivalent. Training is provided nationwide by a number of FETAC accredited training providers, contact details of which can be obtained from the PSA's website at www.psa.gov.ie.

I am informed that, in order to facilitate the large number of individuals working in the industry who require training and to allow sufficient time for employees to obtain the relevant qualification, the Private Security Authority invited employers to enter into training agreements with it. I am further informed that a significant number of companies have taken advantage of this option.