Bars, nightclubs, concert venues and other public areas will only be allowed employ security and door staff holding a security licence following the publication of the Private Security Services Bill today.
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Minister for Justice, John O'Donoghue. |
Introduced by Minister for Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, this morning, the Bill provides for the setting up of the Private Security Authority to control and supervise individuals and firms providing security services.
It will also allow employers to examine the criminal records of prospective employees.
The principal features of the Bill are:
- A new body to be known as the Private Security Authority is to be established to be appointed by the Minister of Justice and will include representatives of a range of relevant interests including private security and the Gardai.
- The Authority will operate a licensing system to control and regulate access to the industry.
- Identity cards will be issued to all licensees and the Authority will publish a register of licensed providers of private security services each year.
- The Authority will also set training standards and put in place a system for investigating complaints.
Anyone wishing to obtain a licence will be vetted by the Authority, which retains the right to request information from the Gardaí on any convictions an applicant may have and will be able to refuse a licence on the basis of that record.
Under the Bill a number of new offences have been created, including the provision of a security service without a licence, providing false information in support of a licence application and employing a person to provide a security service if that person does not have a licence.
It is estimated there are currently 400 companies active in the industry employing 15,000, not including those involved in part-time jobs.