Bill to clean up shady security industry

LONG-AWAITED legislation to clean up the security industry is expected to be enacted by the end of the year.

The Private Security Services Bill was first introduced in January 2001 but has become bogged down in the Dáil since then.

It is due to clear committee stage by the end of the month, and pass the Senate by the end of November, after which it will come before the Dáil for final approval.

The Oireachtas Committee for Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights, yesterday discussed a number of amendments brought in by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

The security industry has been dogged by criminal and paramilitary involvement, particularly door-security for the entertainment sector.

Pubs, nightclubs and lap dancing clubs have been targeted by a number of garda agencies over the years, including the Garda National Drug Unit, the Special Branch and the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Numerous criminal and civil cases have been taken against bouncers for assault, including serious assault.

Last March, representatives of the security industry told the committee there were around 800 security firms in the sector but only 320 were registered with the Security Federation.

The committee heard non-reputable, black economy operators were paying very low rates of pay and some of the bouncers were off-duty gardaí and soldiers.

Mr McDowell told the committee yesterday the Bill would not deal with garda double-jobbing, which he said would be covered in provisions in the Garda Síochána Bill.

Under the Private Security Bill:

A Private Security Authority (PSA) will be set up to control and regulate the industry.

All security companies, and individuals, must get a licence to operate, which can be suspended or revoked.

Each licence holder must have, and carry with them, an identity card.

A Private Security Register will hold a list of licensees, a copy of which will be supplied to all garda stations.