Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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970. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the most recent legislation and regulations governing the private security industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17195/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Private Security Authority, an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland.  

The Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021, the most recent primary legislation relating to the private security industry, was signed into law by the President on 12 July 2021.  The Act brings the regulation and licensing of security personnel assisting those enforcing court orders for evictions and repossessions within the remit of the Private Security Authority.

The following regulations relating to the private security industry have been introduced since 12 July 2021.

•Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 379/2021)

•Private Security (Licensing and Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 299/2022)

•Private Security (Security Guard Temporary Licence) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 573/2022)

•Private Security (Licensing and Qualifications) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 574/2022)

•Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 139/2023)

•Private Security (Licensing and Standards) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 140/2023)

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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971. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of private security companies which have registered with the Private Security Authority; the total number of personnel registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17198/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Private Security Authority (PSA), an independent body under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland.  The PSA regulates both contractors and employees across a range of sectors in the security industry.

I am informed by the PSA that at the end of March 2023 there were 1,443 contractors and 32,675 employees licensed to provide security services. Some contractors and employees hold licences in more than one sector and the number of sectoral licences in circulation is 1,756 for contractors and 40,576 for employees.