Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
204. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to clarify whether private security personnel possess any statutory authority to detain, restrain, or physically control individuals under the Private Security Services Act 2004, or whether their powers are limited solely to those available to any member of the public under common-law citizen’s arrest. [64416/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to detail the oversight mechanisms within the Private Security Authority (PSA) to identify, investigate, and sanction private security personnel or companies that exceed their lawful authority or engage in unlawful detention or excessive force. [64420/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list the number of cases in each of the past ten years where the Private Security Authority suspended, revoked, or refused licences due to allegations involving unlawful detention, assault, excessive force, or related misconduct. [64421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA has ever carried out or contributed to reviews into incidents involving private security personnel where serious injury or death occurred; and if not, whether the Minister will consider directing such a review. [64422/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the annual number of complaints received by the PSA relating to physical force, restraint, or alleged unlawful detention by private security personnel for each of the past ten years. [64423/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to outline the number of on-site inspections the PSA has conducted annually for the past ten years, and the number of enforcement actions arising from those inspections. [64424/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the minimum training standards required for licensing private security staff, including modules on lawful authority, use of force, restraint, and de-escalation. [64425/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security training currently includes any accredited instruction on physical restraint; and if not, the assessment which has been made regarding the risks associated with untrained personnel attempting to physically restrain individuals. [64426/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if private security licensing requires training on positional asphyxia, medical safety, or the dangers associated with multiple-person restraints; and if not, whether his Department will consider introducing such requirements. [64427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current vetting requirements for private security personnel; and whether his Department has assessed whether the existing regime adequately identifies individuals unsuitable for roles involving physical interaction with the public. [64428/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether additional regulatory standards apply to private security personnel operating in nightclubs, bars, or late-night venues where interactions involving physical force are more likely. [64429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel working in nightclubs are required to report incidents involving force or restraint to the PSA or An Garda Síochána; and if such mandatory reporting is monitored or enforced. [64430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has conducted any review of risks associated with private security practices in nightclubs, including multi-person restraint, chokeholds, or prone positioning. [64431/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a review has been carried out by his Department, the PSA, or An Garda Síochána into deaths linked to interactions with nightclub security staff in the past 25 years; and whether he will consider establishing such a review. [64432/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra221. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal obligations on private security personnel to contact An Garda Síochána immediately after detaining an individual under citizen’s arrest; and whether failure to do so constitutes an offence. [64433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra222. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any formal protocols exist between An Garda Síochána and the PSA for handling incidents involving private security personnel, and if not, whether such protocols will be established. [64435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of licensed private security personnel who have been the subject of complaints, allegations, or investigations relating to sexual assault or inappropriate conduct in the past five years; and if the Private Security Authority has recorded trends in such cases. [64438/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how allegations of sexual assault by private security staff are handled, which bodies have responsibility for investigating such allegations, and whether there is a centralised reporting system. [64440/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if the Private Security Authority tracks sexual misconduct complaints against licence holders; and, if not, if he will consider establishing such a reporting mechanism. [64441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for the number of reported sexual assaults occurring in or near licensed venues (bars, nightclubs, events) in the past five years; and whether the Department assesses any correlation between such incidents and the conduct of venue security personnel. [64442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if anonymised national data exists on sexual assault complaints involving door staff or bouncers; and if not, whether the Minister will request that An Garda Síochána or the PSA begin tracking such incidents. [64443/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether sexual assault prevention, bystander intervention, or safeguarding training is mandatory for private security staff working in nightlife settings; and if not, whether he plans to introduce such mandatory training. [64444/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware of cases where civil claims involving private security staff have been settled, notwithstanding related criminal complaints that did not proceed due to a lack of admissible evidence; and whether his Department will examine whether this pattern indicates gaps in regulation, evidence gathering, or oversight. [64452/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has ever reviewed the divergence between criminal and civil outcomes in cases involving alleged assaults by private security staff; and whether any analysis has been carried out to determine why civil liability may be accepted where criminal prosecution was not possible. [64453/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will request that An Garda Síochána introduce a specific evidence protocol for incidents involving private security personnel, given the frequency of late-night, low-light, and CCTV-dependent investigations. [64455/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints which have been received by the Private Security Authority in each of the past five years relating to excessive force, assault, or misconduct by licensed door staff or venue security personnel; and the number of these complaints which resulted in licence suspension, revocation, or enforcement action. [64456/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA collects or retains any information on civil claims, legal actions, or settlements involving licensed private security personnel; and if not, whether he will consider expanding the PSA’s statutory remit to include tracking of such matters. [64457/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will consider introducing a mandatory reporting requirement obliging licensed venues to notify the PSA of any civil claim, settlement, or insurance payout arising from alleged misconduct by private security staff. [64458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether it is lawful for private security personnel to detain a person in an enclosed room within a licensed premises pending Garda arrival; and whether guidance has been issued to Gardaí regarding the handling of incidents where a person has been detained in such a manner. [64467/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether Gardaí receive training or guidance on the risks associated with holding areas used by private security staff, including the potential for excessive force, lack of CCTV coverage, or the absence of independent witnesses. [64468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority regulates or inspects the use of holding rooms in licensed venues, and whether any policies exist to prevent private security personnel from detaining individuals without lawful authority. [64470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority regulates or prohibits the use of handcuffs or other restraints by private security staff, and if any standards, codes of conduct, or training requirements apply to the use of restraints in nightlife or event settings. [64474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed security personnel receive any accredited training in the application, monitoring, and safe removal of restraints, and whether the Department has assessed the potential risks of untrained personnel using such equipment. [64477/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of complaints received by the Private Security Authority in each of the past five years relating to the use of handcuffs, plastic restraints, or other forms of physical restraint by licensed security personnel. [64478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra251. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether it is lawful for private security personnel to detain a person using handcuffs or similar restraints pending Garda arrival; and whether he intends to review the legal framework governing private detention and use-of-force in licensed venues. [64479/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel licensed by the Private Security Authority have any statutory authority to search individuals, including body searches or searches of personal property, within licensed premises or events; and if not, whether he will clarify the lawful limits of such searches. [64483/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel may conduct searches as part of a common-law citizen's arrest; and if so, whether guidance exists on the scope, proportionality, and lawful use of restraint during such searches. [64484/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra256. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA provides guidance on searches conducted with patron consent; including whether patrons may refuse a search, and what recourse or protections are available if a patron is searched without consent. [64485/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel or licensed venues can be held civilly or criminally liable for conducting searches of patrons that exceed lawful authority, and whether any cases have arisen in the past five years relating to such searches. [64486/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority provides specific training, codes of conduct, or written guidance to licensees regarding searching individuals; and whether he will consider strengthening such guidance to prevent unlawful or excessive searches. [64487/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider introducing a requirement for licensed venues to inform patrons of their rights regarding searches, including through visible signage and written policies, to ensure that searches are conducted lawfully and transparently. [64488/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel licensed by the Private Security Authority owe a duty of care to patrons being removed from licensed premises; and if so, what guidance or statutory standards exist to ensure that patrons are not exposed to foreseeable harm during removal. [64490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA provides specific guidance or training on the removal of intoxicated patrons; and whether security staff are required to ensure such individuals are escorted safely to a public area, taxi, or trusted companion, rather than being simply ejected. [64491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether security staff are trained to recognise that a patron may be vulnerable due to being spiked, drugged, or otherwise incapacitated, and whether there are protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of such individuals during removal. [64492/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues are required to assess environmental risks when removing patrons at night, including isolated streets, dark alleys, or adverse weather, and whether security staff are expected to mitigate these risks in practice. [64493/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues and security personnel are required to document incidents where patrons are removed, particularly where they are intoxicated or vulnerable; and whether this documentation is reviewed by the PSA to ensure compliance with duty-of-care standards. [64494/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra265. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a failure by security personnel to exercise reasonable care when removing patrons - for example, by leaving intoxicated or vulnerable individuals in unsafe circumstances can result in civil or criminal liability for the security personnel or the venue. [64495/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider enhancing PSA training, codes of conduct, and enforcement standards to explicitly cover duty of care obligations for security staff, including safe removal procedures, risk assessment, and safeguarding of vulnerable patrons. [64496/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority prohibits individuals with previous convictions for assault, public order offences, or violent crime from obtaining a licence; and whether he considers the current vetting process adequate to protect the public. [64498/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra268. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the PSA determines whether a person with a criminal record is suitable to work as a licensed security professional; whether there are guidelines or criteria for assessing risk; and whether any improvements are being considered. [64499/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra269. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether criminal convictions from other countries are considered when licensing private security personnel; and whether gaps in international vetting could allow individuals with violent histories to be employed in high-risk environments. [64500/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra270. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed security personnel are periodically re-vetted for new criminal convictions; and whether the absence of ongoing monitoring is a potential risk to public safety. [64501/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra271. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA requires venues or employers to report serious misconduct or criminal behaviour by licensed security staff; and whether failure to report such behaviour could be addressed through stronger regulatory requirements. [64506/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel from outside Ireland are subject to enhanced vetting procedures before being licensed by the Private Security Authority; and whether the PSA has clear standards for checking criminal records, professional history, and suitability in their home countries. [64507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the procedures the PSA and Gardaí use to verify criminal convictions or disciplinary records for security staff who previously worked outside Ireland; whether international vetting relies on Interpol, EU criminal record exchange, or other mechanisms; and whether gaps have been identified in this process. [64508/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra274. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how private security staff from other countries who are hired on a temporary or short-term basis are vetted; whether there is any statutory requirement for full Garda or PSA approval; and whether he considers current procedures sufficient to prevent unsuitable individuals from being employed. [64509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra275. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there have been any incidents or complaints involving security personnel from outside Ireland where inadequate background checks contributed to unsafe situations; and whether lessons have been learned to improve vetting standards.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra276. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider reviewing and strengthening PSA vetting policies for non-Irish security staff to ensure consistent standards of safety, suitability, and accountability across all licensed personnel, regardless of nationality. [64511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra277. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority ensures robust vetting and background checks for security personnel licensed to work in high-risk environments such as nightclubs and bars; whether periodic re-vetting occurs; and whether reforms are planned to prevent unfit individuals from working in roles where serious harm could occur. [64512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra279. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he is satisfied that security staff correctly apply common-law citizen's arrest powers; whether misuse is being monitored; and whether statutory clarification or reform is required to prevent unlawful detentions. [64514/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will review the use of holding rooms or secure areas in licensed premises, including their legality, oversight, and minimum safety or monitoring standards to protect detained patrons. [64515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether current insurance requirements for private security contractors adequately cover harm caused by staff, including assault, unlawful detention, or negligence; and whether reforms are needed to ensure victims can access remedies. [64516/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA's training requirements for private security personnel are sufficient to equip staff with the skills necessary to safely manage intoxicated or vulnerable patrons, apply reasonable force appropriately, recognise potential spiking or medical emergencies, and comply with duty-of-care obligations; and whether he will consider strengthening training requirements. [64523/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues have a statutory obligation to ensure their contracted security personnel are trained, supervised, and monitored; and whether failure to meet this obligation could result in regulatory or civil liability. [64524/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider introducing mandatory public reporting by the PSA and licensed venues on security-related incidents, including assaults, detentions, and complaints, to improve transparency and public confidence in oversight. [64525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra286. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues have a statutory obligation to verify the PSA licence status of all contracted security personnel, including those supplied by external agencies; and whether failure to verify constitutes a breach of duty or exposes the venue to liability. [64527/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA has any mechanisms to monitor or audit security agencies supplying staff to licensed venues, to ensure that all personnel are properly licensed and vetted; and whether he considers current oversight adequate. [64528/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there have been any reported incidents where unlicensed or improperly vetted security staff supplied via agencies caused harm to patrons or breached regulations; and the measures which have been taken to prevent recurrence. [64529/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra289. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will issue clear guidance to venues on their responsibilities when hiring security staff through agencies, including checking licence validity, verifying training, and confirming suitability. [64530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a person must be an Irish citizen to obtain a Private Security Authority (PSA) licence; and if not, what residency or visa status is required for licensing. [64531/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra291. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration what procedures the PSA uses to verify that applicants from outside Ireland have lawful permission to work; and whether there are gaps in verification that could allow unqualified or unauthorized personnel to be employed as security staff. [64532/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the PSA ensures that temporary, seasonal, or agency-supplied security staff from abroad are properly vetted, licensed, and legally entitled to work in Ireland; and whether current procedures are sufficient to protect public safety. [64533/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra293. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether there is any ongoing monitoring to ensure that foreign or temporary security personnel continue to hold valid visas, or work permits throughout their employment; and whether failure to monitor could create risks for patrons and venues. [64534/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will review PSA licensing procedures to ensure that all non-Irish applicants are properly vetted, legally entitled to work, and do not pose a risk to public safety. [64535/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the 2021 Amendment bringing enforcement guards under the PSA licence has been implemented; whether all such personnel are now properly licensed, vetted, and trained; and whether any gaps in compliance have been identified. [64536/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra296. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the PSA ensures that temporary security guard licence holders (under the 2022 Regulations) are adequately vetted, trained, and legally entitled to work, and whether temporary staffing arrangements create risks to public safety. [64537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra298. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether security agencies employing temporary licence holders are required to verify licence validity and training compliance, and whether failure to do so could result in regulatory or civil liability. [64539/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 204, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 225, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 233, 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 244, 245, 246, 248, 249, 250, 251, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296 and 298 together.
The Private Security Services Act, 2004 (as amended) provides the legal basis for the regulation and licensing of sectors of the private security industry in Ireland. The Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is a statutorily independent body operating under the aegis of my Department.
The PSA has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas: oireachtas@psa-gov.ie.
The Deputy may also wish to consult the PSA website at www.psa-gov.ie/, where details of the PSA's work, as well as all Annual Reports since the year 2010, can be found.
