The Private Security Authority (PSA) is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. The PSA is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice. Established following the passing of the Private Security Services Act in 2004, the PSA started licensing security contractors in 2006 and security employees in 2007. The PSA’s head office is in Tipperary Town with inspectors operating nationwide.
The primary role of the PSA is to ensure that the public is protected through a standards and qualifications based licensing system. The PSA works in partnership with both employers and employees in raising standards in the industry to the benefit of the consumer, public and society. The PSA currently licences over 30,000 contractors and employees across 12 sectors including: