Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the correspondence (details supplied) issued to a person who legally purchased an intruder alarm and had it fitted by private electrical contractors; his views on whether the orders placed on the person to be fair considering the device was legally purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42682/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department.

The issues referred to in the Deputy's Question address operational issues, which are matters solely for the Private Security Authority. have been advised by the Authority that they will reply directly to the Deputy on the issues raised by him. I would moreover point out that the role of the Private Security Authority is to control and supervise persons providing security services and to maintain and improve standards in the provision of those services. A system of licensing ensures that only those persons who are qualified to the required standards, and vetted by the Gardaí, are permitted to operate in any of the licensable sectors of the industry.

While the purchase of an intruder alarm system does not require a license, it is an offence under section 37 of the Act to install one on a commercial basis without a PSA licence, unless otherwise exempted. A core function of the Authority is to investigate all those operating illegally, outside of the licensing regime, and also those who engage their services. It has been an offence since August 2006, under Section 38 of the Act to engage unlicensed contractors and consequently a person found to have engaged such a contractor is committing an offence. In this regard, the Private Security Authority can, pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Act investigate any security services being provided by any person.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the €2,250 fee for a contractor licence for two years from the Private Security Authority is excessive given the financial constraints on many of these contractors in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42683/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 an independent body under the aegis of my Department and the administration of the Authority is vested in a Board whose membership includes industry representatives. I have been advised by the Authority that the licence fee has not been increased since 2005. In setting the fee, the Authority is mindful of the need to balance licensing fees with general Government policy that the cost of regulation should not be a drain on general Exchequer resources. I will ask the Authority to review the fee structure in the context of its strategic plan for 2010-2012.