PRESS RELEASE 13TH SEPTEMBER 2016

A commitment to closer co-operation between the Private Security Authority (PSA) and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was given following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by both bodies today. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive of the PSA, Paul Scallan and by Padraig Dooley, Director & Chief Labour Inspector of the Inspection, Enforcement, Information & Customer Services Division of the Workplace Relations Commission, at the Commission’s offices in Carlow.

At the signing ceremony 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 to their employees will receive the full attention of both our organisations.”

Mr Dooley added  “ I expect that the MOU will prove mutually beneficial to both ourselves and the PSA.  It is the workers in the sector that we strive to protect and we intend to use the arrangements at the earliest available opportunity. By working together and sharing information and expertise we can each achieve our respective goals ”

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 and the Revenue Commissioners 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)
  • Private Investigator (Contractors)
  • Security Guard – Static (Contractors & Individuals)

The Inspection, Enforcement, Information & Customer Services Division of the WRC aims to ensure that both employers and employees are aware of the meaning and application of employment law and, when necessary, ensure that it is enforced.

The division has three main functions, namely

  • provision of information
  • inspections, and
  • enforcement

The key role is one of carrying out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with employment rights legislations. This also encompasses an information function.

The aim is to achieve voluntary compliance. Employers are given every reasonable opportunity to become compliant, rectify breaches detected, and pay money that may be due to employees. However, where employers fail to comply with their obligations the necessary sanctions will be invoked.