Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) which is preventing an employer from employing new employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26620/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Private Security Authority (PSA) is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. The PSA is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice. Established following the passing of the Private Security Services Act in 2004, the PSA started licensing security contractors in 2006 and security employees in 2007.

In terms of series of checks performed as part of a licence application, the PSA is under a statutory obligation in relation to the checks it performs.

As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the PSA cannot waive any aspect of the licensing requirements given the PSA remit to protect consumers interests, provide a safer environment for the general public through the regulation of a licensed and vetted security industry with high standards of performance and expertise, and by ensuring that the potential for criminality within the industry is eliminated.

The Deputy will be aware that persons who fled Ukraine on or after 24 February 2022 are now entitled to Temporary Protection within the State. On receipt of their Temporary Protection letter any such persons may apply for a PSA licence, subject to satisfying the other criteria for a licence application.

The specific matters raised, in relation to how a Ukrainian national with Temporary Protection might seek to make a licence application with the PSA, have already been considered and addressed by the Authority. Details in relation to this were communicated to contractors via email on 29 April 2022.

Further information is available via the link below, setting out how Ukrainian nationals can use a recently launched online service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, to obtain an official non-conviction certificate for use as part of any licence application.

 www.psa-gov.ie/information-for-licence-applicants-from-ukraine/

Any individual or contractor who has specific queries in relation to the licence application process is encouraged to make contact with the Private Security Authority via licensing@psa-gov.ie