Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the statutory role and powers of the Private Security Authority in the event that a device, alarm or security system apparatus installed by an approved contractor should fail; if liability rests with the authority; the measures taken by the authority to ensure that the privacy of customers is respected by contractors licensed by the authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53008/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, 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 and Equality. My Department has no role in the day to day running of the Authority.

All contractor licences issued by the PSA are underpinned by industry standards prescribed in Regulations. Contractors licensed in the Electronic Security sectors encompassing the installation and maintenance of Intruder Alarm, Access Control and CCTV systems must meet the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Standard Recommendation SR40. This Standard provides direction for contractors and their employees on both confidentiality and care of clients’ property and requires procedures to be put in place to deal securely with any confidential information to which they have access.

I am informed by the Authority that the specific technical standard required for an installer of intruder alarms licence is European Standard EN 50131 Parts 1 & 7, and the standard required for an installer of CCTV is PSA 2006:12. Compliance with the standards is audited by independent certification bodies.

In addition, all contractors are required to comply with national legislation including data protection regulations.

The Authority does not carry any liability in respect of the work undertaken by licensed contractors. The Authority does however require contractors to have insurance cover relevant to their business activities which should protect consumers in the event of any claim being awarded against a contractor.

Finally, I am also informed by the Authority that customers, if they wish to do so, may make a complaint about the installation of a security system to the Authority who will investigate the complaint. If the complaint is upheld the Authority may take action against the licensed contractor up to and including the revocation of a licence.