The Chief Executive of the Private Security Authority (PSA), Paul Scallan and Philip Cox, the Head of the Special Investigation Unit in the Department of Social Protection have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This will formalise  the PSA’s commitment to closer co-operation between it and the Department of Social Protection to share information and conduct joint inspections, opening up a new area of co-operation.

The Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said “This Memorandum of Understanding is one of a number of initiatives taken by the Private Security Authority with a view to enhancing cooperation with other State agencies through the sharing of information and conduct of joint operations with the aim of, amongst other matters, preventing, detecting and investigating offences“.

On behalf of the Dept of Social Protection, Minister Leo Varadkar said: “This Memorandum will allow closer co-operation between the Department and the PSA to identify and tackle fraud. This includes the exchange of information and will allow for joint operations where they are considered of mutual benefit. It gives a clear signal that those who seek to evade their legal obligations to their employees will receive the full attention of both our organisations.”

In signing the MOU Mr Scallan said “This MOU provides a platform for closer co-operation between our organisations including the exchange of information and the undertaking of joint operations where they are considered of mutual benefit. The signing of the MOU gives a clear signal that those who seek to evade their legal obligations will receive the full attention of both our organisations.”

Philip Cox added “As part of its approach to the prevention and detection of social welfare fraud, the Department has formed alliances and developed a number of mutual assistance agreements. This MOU further enhances the positive working relationship between both agencies. It will help identify potential fraud or non-compliance within the social welfare system whilst at the same operating within data protection legislation.”

The PSA is the regulatory agency responsible for the licensing of the private security industry in the Republic of Ireland. It already operates closely with other State agencies such as An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Commissioners and the Workplace Relations Commission and has a team of nationwide inspectors who ensure compliance with licensing regulations.

There are 1,200 contractors and 28,000 individuals licensed by the PSA to operate in the security industry. PSA licensing currently cover the following sectors:

  • Access Control – Installation and Maintenance (Contractors)
  • Alarm and CCTV Monitoring (Contractors)
  • Cash-in-Transit (Contractors & Individuals)
  • CCTV – Installation and Maintenance (Contractors)
  • Door Supervisor (Contractors & Individuals)
  • Event Security (Contractors)
  • Intruder Alarm – Installation and Maintenance (Contractors)
  • Locksmiths (Contractors)
  • Private Investigator (Contractors)
  • Security Guard – Static (Contractors & Individuals)

The Department of Social Protection aims to ensure that people supported by the Department are receiving their appropriate entitlement and services. Tackling fraud in social welfare system is, therefore, a key priority for the Department and ensures that resources are targeted at the people who most need them and that taxpayers have confidence and trust in the social welfare system as a whole.

Issued by the Private Security Authority.  For further information contact the Authority’s Communications Unit at [email protected].