Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the categories of people who may be granted a licence by the Private Security Authority to install CCTV and access control security systems; if he has considered widening these categories to other professionals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53098/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent agency under the remit of my Department, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State. The Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) sets out the activities in the private security industry which are, or will be, subject to licensing. The licensing of installers of security equipment encompassing intruder alarm, CCTV and access control systems is one such activity covered by the 2004 legislation.

Licensing of contractors working in the intruder alarm sector commenced some years back and since the 1 October 2012, contractors providing security services in the access control and CCTV sectors also require a licence from the PSA. Any contractor who wishes to provide a security service in these sectors and who meets the licensing requirements may apply to the PSA for a licence. A contractor can be a sole trader, partnership or body corporate.

I am informed by the Authority that contractors seeking a licence are required to provide a valid tax clearance certificate, evidence of having obtained a standard endorsed by the Authority and in the case of a body corporate, a certificate of incorporation. In addition, all sole traders, partners, company directors and shareholders with a holding of 5% or more are vetted by An Garda Síochána before a licence issues.