Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria used by the Private Security Authority when awarding licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13138/10]

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 the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department has no role, therefore, in the issuing of private security licences. The Authority commenced licensing security contractors in 2006 and this was followed by the licensing of individuals employed in the industry in 2007. There are currently almost 800 licensed contractors and over 23,000 licensed individuals operating in the security industry in Ireland.

I am informed by the Authority that the criteria used by the Authority depends on whether a contractor or individual licence is required. Contractor Licences are required by companies, partnerships and sole traders providing security services in the Republic of Ireland. Those seeking a contractors licence are required to provide a valid tax clearance certificate, evidence of having obtained a standard endorsed by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and a certificate of incorporation, if applicable. In addition all sole traders, partners, company directors and shareholders with a holding of 20% or more are vetted by An Garda Síochána before a licence issues.

Individual Licences are required by all those working in the security sector within the state whether employed by a licensed contractor or directly by a business as in-house security personnel. Individual Licences are backed by a recognised qualification which ensures that all those working in the industry have been trained to a high standard. Once again, all individual applicants are vetted with An Garda Síochána before any licence is issued.

I understand from the Authority that, both contractors and individuals who have resided outside of Ireland for a period of six months or more are also required to provide the Authority with a criminal record certificate from the relevant jurisdiction.