Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons licensed by the Private Security Authority in each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 that were nationals; and the number that were non-nationals. [20630/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the vetting that has taken place by the Garda in regard to applications from Irish nationals for Private Security Authority licences, and in regard to non-nationals for Private Security Authority licences. [20634/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 233 together.

The Private Security Authority, an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for the licensing and regulation of the Irish security industry. I have been informed by the Authority that there are currently 26,780 individuals licensed to provide certain security services. The first licences for individuals were issued by the Authority in 2008. The table below outlines the number of licences in operation at the end of each year between 2008 and 2010 and the breakdown of licences between Irish nationals and non-nationals. Individual Licences in operation between 2008 and 2010

The vetting of applicants is an integral part of the licensing system provided for in the Private Security Services Act 2004. All applicants for a licence, both Irish nationals and non-nationals, are vetted by the Central Vetting Unit of An Garda Síochána. In the case of those applicants who have resided outside of the State for a period of six months or more, a criminal record certificate from the foreign jurisdiction is also required. This condition applies to both Irish nationals who have lived abroad and to non-nationals who come to this country. It is a condition of licensing that this requirement is fulfilled before a licence is issued. The domestic and foreign criminal record requirements also apply to sole traders, partnerships, company directors and shareholders with a holding of 20% or more in the case of applications for contractor licences.

I am informed that the Authority has robust procedures in place for dealing with information which comes to light arising from both domestic and foreign criminal record checks. These procedures include the application of the Authority's guidelines on criminality, with applications being refused where convictions are deemed relevant in accordance with the guidelines.