Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the legal requirement for bouncers and security staff registered to work at licensed premises; the registration process entailed; if these staff may work while their applications are being processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29658/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Private Security Authority is the regulatory body with responsibility for the regulation of the security industry in Ireland. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department and so I have no involvement in the day to day operations of the Authority.

The Authority has however advised me that all individuals providing a security service as either a door supervisor (licensed premises) or security guard (static) must hold a licence issued by the Authority and must display an identity badge while providing these services. There are currently over 27,300 licensed individuals in the country.

In addition, I am informed that a small number of applicants are permitted to work pending receipt of their licence. These individuals are considered to meet all the requirements of licensing and have been granted permission to work at the request of their employer, pending validation of their applications.

There are currently less than 200 such cases and in all cases, an applicant can only work for the employer on file.