Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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273. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the length of time a person with a conviction could be expected to be excluded from the PSA register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54018/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Private Security Authority (PSA) considers the suitability of applicants to work in the private security industry on the basis of competence, criminality and general suitability. The PSA has guidelines on the assessment of what constitutes a fit and proper person. The guidelines are available on the website of the PSA. Where an applicant for a licence has a criminal conviction, the PSA will take into account a range of factors, as set out in the guidelines.

The guidelines provide an objective source from which the PSA can adopt a uniform approach to the assessment of what makes a person fit and proper to provide a security service.

While the PSA is not bound by the Fit & Proper Guidelines and will take into account representations made by the applicant, they are committed to fairness and equal treatment and to the application of these guidelines in a consistent manner.