Private Security Services Act 2004

Private Security Services Act 2004 Skip to content Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Gaeilge Léim go dtí an t-ábhar Séanadh Aiseolas Deasc chabhrach English Gaeilge English Produced by the Office of the Attorney General Táirgthe ag Oifig an Ard-Aighne Home Legislation Acts of the Oireachtas Statutory Instruments Pre-1922 Legislation Constitution External Resources Bills (Houses of the Oireachtas) Iris Oifigiúil / Official Gazette Revised Acts (LRC) Classified List of Legislation (LRC) Translations (acts.ie) Translations (Houses of the Oireachtas) Government Publications for Sale EU Law (EUR-Lex) FAQ Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Search Baile Reachtaíocht Achtanna an Oireachtais Ionstraimí Reachtúla Reachtaíocht Réamh-1922 Bunreacht Acmhainní Seachtracha Billí (Tithe an Oireachtais) Iris Oifigiúil Achtanna Athbhreithnithe (CAD) (An Coimisiún um Athchóiriú an Dlí) Liosta Rangaithe Reachtaíochta Aistriúcháin (achtanna.ie) Aistriúcháin (Tithe an Oireachtais) Foilseacháin Rialtais ar Díol Dlí AE (EUR-Lex) CCanna (Ceisteanna Coitianta) Séanadh Aiseolas Deasc chabhrach Cuardach TitleTeideal Year(s) or rangeBliain nó blianta nó raon TypeCineál All Legislation Acts Statutory Instruments Advanced SearchCuardach Casta HomeBaile ActsAchtanna 2004 Private Security Services Act 2004 Private Security Services Act 2004 Permanent Page URL View by SectionAmharc de réir Ailt View Full ActAmharc ar an Acht Iomlán Bill History Stair Bille Commencement, Amendments, SIs made under the Act Tosach Feidhme, Leasuithe, IRí arna ndéanamh faoin Acht Revised Act Acht Athbh… Open PDFOscail PDF Print Full ActPriontáil an tAcht Iomlán Number 12 of 2004 PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES ACT 2004 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART 1 Preliminary and General Section 1. Short title and commencement. 2. Interpretation. 3. Exemptions. 4. Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. 5. Expenses of Minister. PART 2 Private Security Authority 6. Private Security Authority. 7. Membership. 8. Functions. 9. Strategic plans. 10. Chief Executive. 11. Staff. 12. Superannuation. 13. Investigations by Authority. 14. Inspectors. 15. Power of entry and inspection. 16. Reports to Minister. 17. Disclosure of interests. 18. Non-disclosure of information. 19. Grants to Authority. 20. Membership, etc., of Dáil, Seanad or European Parliament. PART 3 Licences to provide Security Services 21. Application for licence. 22. Grant or refusal of licence. 23. Renewal of licence. 24. Tax clearance. 25. Documents to accompany certain applications. 26. Refusal to renew, suspension, etc., of licence. 27. Notification to applicant of refusal, etc. 28. Variation of licensed security service. 29. Identity cards. 30. Identity badges. 31. Issue of duplicate licence or identity card. 32. Surrender of licence. 33. Register of licensees. 34. Provision of information by Garda Síochána. 35. Production or display of licence. 36. Notification of conviction of offence. 37. Prohibition of unlicensed security service. 38. Prohibition of employment of unlicensed person. PART 4 Complaints against Licensees 39. Investigation of complaints. PART 5 Appeals against Decisions of Authority 40. Private Security Appeal Board. 41. Appeal to High Court on question of law. PART 6 Security Services provided by Certain Persons from EU Member States 42. Interpretation. 43. Application of Act to relevant persons. 44. Prior notification by relevant person of conviction or criminal proceedings. 45. Prohibition of relevant person from providing security service. 46. Relations with corresponding authorities. 47. Effect of revocation or suspension of relevant person's licence or other authorisation. PART 7 Miscellaneous 48. Offences. 49. Receipt of notification or notice. 50. Taking effect of decision of Authority. 51. Regulations. 52. Transitional provision. SCHEDULE 1 Private Security Authority SCHEDULE 2 Private Security Appeal Board PART 1 General PART 2 Appeals SCHEDULE 3 Modifications of Act in its application to Relevant Persons Acts Referred to Air Navigation and Transport Acts 1936 to 1998 Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956 1956, No. 46 Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956 to 1996 Companies Act 1963 1963, No. 33 Companies Acts 1963 to 2003 Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 1993, No. 8 European Parliament Elections Act 1997 1997, No. 2 Finance Act 2002 2002 No. 5 Harbours Act 1996 1996 No. 11 Public Offices Fees Act 1879 1879, c. 58 Registration of Business Names Act 1963 1963, No. 30 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 1997, No. 39 Number 12 of 2004 PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES ACT 2004 AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BODY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE PRIVATE SECURITY AUTHORITY, OR IN THE IRISH LANGUAGE AN tÚDARÁS SLÁNDÁLA PRÍOBHÁIDÍ, TO CONTROL AND SUPERVISE INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS PROVIDING PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICES AND TO INVESTIGATE AND ADJUDICATE ON ANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THEM; FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BODY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE PRIVATE SECURITY APPEAL BOARD, OR IN THE IRISH LANGUAGE AN BORD ACHOMHAIRC UM SHLÁNDÁIL PHRÍOBHÁIDEACH, TO HEAR AND DETERMINE APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THAT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED MATTERS. [4th May, 2004] BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS: PART 1 Preliminary and General Short title and commencement. 1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Private Security Services Act 2004. (2) This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as may be fixed by order or orders made by the Minister, either generally or by reference to any particular purpose or provision, and different days may be so fixed for different provisions and different purposes of this Act. Interpretation. 2.—(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “advisory committee” means a committee appointed by the Authority under paragraph 1 of Schedule 1; “Appeal Board” means the Private Security Appeal Board established under section 40 ; “Authority” means the Private Security Authority established under section 6 ; “Chief Executive” means the person appointed under section 10 (1) as the chief executive officer of the Authority; “corresponding authority” has the meaning given to it by section 42 ; “director”, in relation to a body corporate, includes— (a) any person occupying the position of director, by whatever name called, (b) any person who effectively directs or has a material influence over the business of the body corporate, (c) any person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of the body corporate are accustomed to act, unless the directors are accustomed so to act by reason only that they do so on advice given by the person in a professional capacity, and (d) where the affairs of the body corporate are managed by its members, any of the members who exercises the functions of such management; “door supervisor” means a person who for remuneration, as part of his or her duties, performs any of the following functions at, in or in the vicinity of any premises or any other place where a public or private event or function is taking place or is about to take place: (a) controlling, supervising, regulating or restricting entry to the premises or place, (b) controlling or monitoring the behaviour of persons therein, (c) removing persons therefrom because of their behaviour; “functions” includes powers and duties, and references to the performance of functions include, as respects powers and duties, references to the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties; “identity badge” has the meaning given to it by section 30 ; “identity card” means a card issued under section 29 ; “inspector” has the meaning given to it by section 14 ; “installer of security equipment” means a person— (a) who for remuneration installs, maintains, repairs or services electronic or other devices designed, constructed or adapted to give warning of or monitor or record unauthorised entry or misconduct on or in the vicinity of premises, and (b) who may in that connection, as necessary, advise on methods of protecting the devices from damage or interference; “licence” means a licence to provide a particular security service specified by the Authority, and cognate words shall be construed accordingly; “Minister” means the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; “person” includes a body corporate and an unincorporated body of persons; “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Authority with the consent of the Minister; “private investigator” means a person who for remuneration conducts investigations into matters on behalf of a client and includes a person who— (a) obtains or furnishes information in relation to the personal character, actions or occupation of a person or to the character or kind of business in which a person is engaged, or (b) searches for missing persons; “private security employer” means a person who employs persons whose principal function is to provide security services for persons other than the employer; “Register” means the Private Security Register established under section 33 ; “relevant person” has the meaning given to it by section 42 ; “remuneration” includes a benefit in kind but does not include any meal or refreshment provided in connection with the performance of a service; “security consultant” means a person who for remuneration advises on methods of protecting property, including information recorded in non-legible form, from vandalism, intrusion, trespass, theft or from being otherwise damaged or interfered with but does not include— (a) a person who advises on such methods in the ordinary course of carrying out an audit, or (b) an installer of security equipment; “security guard” means a person who for remuneration guards or patrols or provides any other protective services in relation to persons or property and includes a person who for those purposes— (a) provides those services exclusively for an employer who is not a private security employer, (b) monitors security equipment, (c) supervises and inspects security guards while they are guarding or patrolling, (d) accompanies a guard dog while the dog is guarding or patrolling, or (e) controls, supervises, regulates, restricts or directs the movements of persons, whether in vehicles or otherwise, in relation to any premises or any other place where a public or private event or function is taking place or about to take place; “security service” means a service provided by a private security employer or by any one of the following persons in the course of an employment or as an independent contractor (but, except in the case of a door supervisor or security guard, does not include a service provided by a person whose principal function is to provide it only for the person's employer): (a) door supervisor, (b) supplier or installer of security equipment, (c) private investigator, (d) security consultant, (e) security guard, (f) provider of protected forms of transport, (g) locksmith, (h) supplier or installer of safes. (2) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— (a) a reference to a section is a reference to a section of this Act, (b) subject to paragraph (c), a reference to a subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause is a reference to a subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or clause of the provision in which the reference occurs, and (c) a reference to a paragraph in a Schedule to this Act is a reference to a paragraph of that Schedule. Exemptions. 3.—(1) Without prejudice to sections 43 and 52, this Act does not apply to relevant persons or to— (a) a member of the Garda Síochána, (b) a member of the Defence Forces, (c) a member of a company's harbour police within the meaning of section 54 of the Harbours Act 1996 , (d) an authorised officer, or authorised person, within the meaning of the Air Navigation and Transport Acts 1936 to 1998, (e) an officer or employee of a Government department or State agency, or (f) a person employed as apprentice by a person providing a security service, while carrying out the duties of his or her office or employment or to a person employed as a resident caretaker who keeps property under surveillance only as an incidental part of the duties of his or her employment. (2) The Authority may by order exempt from any or all of the provisions of this Act persons providing security services or security services of a particular class at a specified place, event or function or specified class of place, event or function or in connection with a visit to the State by a specified person where in its opinion, by reason of the size of the expected attendance or other exceptional circumstances, it would not otherwise be reasonably practicable to provide the requisite level of security services there. (3) Notice of any such exemption shall be published in Iris Oifigiúil. Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. 4.—Every order (other than an order under section 1 ) and regulation made under this Act by the Minister or, as the case may be, the Authority shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order or regulation is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the order or regulation is laid before it, the order or regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder. Expenses of Minister. 5.—The expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas. PART 2 Private Security Authority Private Security Authority. 6.—(1) There stands established a body to be known as the Private Security Authority, or in the Irish language An tÚdarás Slándála Príobháidí, to perform the functions conferred on it by this Act. (2) The Authority shall, subject to this Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions. (3) The Authority shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and with power— (a) to sue and be sued in its corporate name, (b) with the consent of the Minister, to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in or rights over or in respect of land, and (c) to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property. (4) Schedule 1 shall have effect in relation to the Authority. Membership. 7.—(1) (a) The Authority shall consist of not more than 11 members.  (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), until the first appointment to the Authority of a person elected by its staff in accordance with subsection (2)(g), the Authority shall consist of not more than 10 members.  (c) The members of the Authority shall be appointed by the Minister, who shall designate one of them as its chairperson. (2) The members of the Authority shall include— (a) at least one person who is a practising barrister, or practising solicitor, of not less than 5 years' standing, (b) 2 persons each of whom the Minister considers to be representative of private security employers, (c) 2 persons each of whom the Minister considers to be representative of employees of such employers, (d) the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána or such other member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner as the Commissioner may nominate in that behalf, (e) an officer of the Minister, (f) a representative of any other Minister of the Government who, in the opinion of the Minister, is directly concerned with or responsible for activities relevant to the functions of the Authority, and (g) one member of the staff of the Authority elected by secret ballot of the staff of the Authority in such manner— (i) if notice of the holding of the first such election is given before the day on which the Authority is established, as the Minister directs in writing, or (ii) in any other case, as the Authority, with the agreement of the Minister, may determine. (3) (a) The term of office of a member of the Authority shall be not more than 4 years. (b) A person may not be appointed to be a member for more than 2 consecutive terms. (c) A member may resign from the Authority by letter addressed to the Minister, and the resignation shall take effect on the date of receipt of the letter. (d) A member shall, unless he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed from office or otherwise ceases to be a member, hold office as such member until the expiration of his or her term of office. (4) The Minister may for stated reasons at any time remove a member from office for misbehaviour or where the Minister considers that either— (a) the member has become incapable through ill health of effectively performing his or her functions as a member, or (b) the member's removal is necessary for the effective performance by the Authority of its functions. (5) A member of the Authority shall cease to be a member on— (a) being adjudicated bankrupt, (b) making a composition or arrangement with creditors, (c) being sentenced to imprisonment on conviction on indictment, (d) ceasing to be ordinarily resident in the State, or (e) if on appointment he or she was a person to whom any paragraph of subsection (2) applied, ceasing to be such a person. (6) (a) If a member of the Authority dies, resigns, is removed from office or otherwise ceases to hold office, the Minister may, subject to subsection (2), appoint a person to fill the vacancy. (b) A person so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of office of the member whom he or she replaces and be eligible for reappointment for one further term. (c) The chairperson shall hold office as such chairperson until his or her term of office as a member of the Authority expires, unless he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed from office or otherwise ceases to be a member, but, if reappointed as a member, he or she shall be eligible to be designated as chairperson. (7) In making appointments to the Authority the Minister shall have regard to the extent to which each sex is represented in its membership and shall ensure that an appropriate balance in this respect is maintained. (8) Each member of the Authority shall act on a part-time basis and shall be paid such remuneration (if any) and allowances for expenses as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may determine. Functions. 8.—(1) The Authority shall, subject to this Act, control and supervise persons providing security services and maintain and improve standards in the provision by them of those services. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Authority may, and where required by this Act shall— (a) grant and renew licences, (b) issue identity cards to licensees, (c) where appropriate, suspend or revoke licences, (d) establish and maintain a register of licensees, (e) specify standards to be observed in the provision of security services by licensees or particular categories of licensees, (f) specify qualifications or any other requirements (including requirements as to training) for the grant of licences, (g) undertake or commission, or collaborate or assist in, research projects and activities relating to the provision of security services, including the compilation of statistical information and other records necessary for the proper planning, development and provision of those services, (h) investigate any security services being provided by any person, (i) establish and administer a system of investigation and adjudication of complaints against licensees, (j) monitor the provision of private security services generally, (k) liaise with licensees with a view to keeping itself informed of any matters requiring its attention, (l) advise the Minister on any matter relating to its functions, (m) keep the Minister informed of developments in relation to the provision of security services by licensees or particular categories of licensees and assist him or her in coordinating and developing policy in that regard. (3) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, by order— (a) confer on the Authority such additional functions relating to security services and connected with the functions conferred on it by subsections (1) and (2) or any order under this subsection as the Minister considers appropriate, and (b) make such provision as the Minister considers necessary or expedient in relation to matters ancillary to or arising out of any of the functions mentioned in paragraph (a). (4) The Minister may by order amend or revoke an order under this section, including an order under this subsection. (5) Any function of the Authority may, without prejudice to its general responsibilities under this Act, be performed through or by its Chief Executive or any other member of its staff duly authorised in that behalf. (6) The Authority may, subject to this Act, do anything which it considers necessary or expedient for enabling it to perform its functions. Strategic plans. 9.—(1) The Authority shall, as soon as practicable after it is established and thereafter within 6 months before each third anniversary of its establishment, prepare and submit to the Minister, for approval by the Minister with or without amendment, a strategic plan for the ensuing 3-year period. (2) A strategic plan shall— (a) set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies of the Authority, including its use of resources, (b) comply with any directions issued from time to time by the Minister in relation to the form and manner of the plan's preparation, and (c) have regard to the need to ensure the most beneficial and efficient use of the Authority's resources. (3) The Minister shall, as soon as practicable after a strategic plan has been so approved, cause a copy of it to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Chief Executive. 10.—(1) There shall be a chief executive officer of the Authority (in this Act referred to as the “Chief Executive”). (2) The Chief Executive shall, subject to subsection (3)(b), be appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Civil Service Commissioners. (3) The appointment shall either— (a) be on such terms as the Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, determine and be subject to the Civil Service Commissioners Act 1956 and the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956 to 1996, or (b) be on such other terms and conditions as may be determined by the Authority and approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance. (4) The Chief Executive shall manage and control generally the staff, administration and business of the Authority and perform such other functions as may be conferred on him or her by or under this Act or by the Authority. (5) The Chief Executive shall be responsible to the Authority for the performance of his or her functions and the implementation of the Authority's functions. (6) Such of the functions of the Chief Executive as he or she may specify from time to time may, with the consent of the Authority, be performed by such member of the staff of the Authority as the Chief Executive may authorise in that behalf. (7) The functions of the Chief Executive may be performed during his or her absence or when the post of Chief Executive is vacant by such member or members of the staff of the Authority as it may from time to time designate for that purpose. Staff. 11.—(1) The Authority may appoint such and so many persons to be members of its staff as may be approved from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance. (2) The grades of staff of the Authority and the number in each grade shall be determined by the Authority with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance. (3) Section 10 (3) shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to an appointment under this section. Superannuation. 12.—(1) The Authority may, with the approval of the Minister and the consent of the Minister for Finance, make a scheme or schemes for the granting of superannuation benefits to or in respect of the members of staff of the Authority, including the Chief Executive. (2) Every such scheme shall fix the time and conditions of retirement of all persons to or in respect of whom superannuation benefits are payable under the scheme or schemes, and different times and conditions may be fixed in respect of different classes of persons. (3) Every such scheme may be amended or revoked by a subsequent scheme under this section. (4) Any scheme submitted by the Authority under this section shall, if approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, be carried out by the Authority in accordance with its terms. (5) (a) Any dispute arising as to the claim of any person to, or the amount of, any superannuation benefit payable in pursuance of a scheme or schemes under this section shall be submitted to the Minister. (b) The Minister shall refer the dispute to the Minister for Finance, whose decision shall be final. (6) A superannuation benefit shall not be granted by the Authority to or in respect of a person on his or her ceasing to be Chief Executive or a member of its staff, or any other arrangement be entered into by the Authority for the provision of such a benefit, otherwise than in accordance with a scheme or schemes under this section. (7) Any scheme under this section, including an amendment of a scheme, shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the scheme is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder. (8) In this section “superannuation benefit” means any pension, gratuity or other allowance payable to or in respect of a person on ceasing to be the Chief Executive or a member of the staff of the Authority. Investigations by Authority. 13.—(1) Without prejudice to section 39 (2), the Authority may of its own motion investigate any security services being provided by any person. (2) For the purposes of such an investigation the Authority— (a) may by notice in writing require any person who in its opinion is in possession of information, or has any record or thing in the person's possession or under the person's control, that is relevant to the investigation to supply that information, record or thing to the Authority within a period specified in the notice, and (b) where appropriate, may require the person to attend before it for those purposes within that period. (3) The person shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges in relation to compliance with any requirement mentioned in subsection (2) as if the person were a witness before a court. (4) If the person does not comply or comply fully with the requirement within the specified period, the Authority may apply to the District Court, on notice to the person, for an order requiring the person to comply or comply fully with the requirement within a period to be specified by the Court. (5) If it appears to the Court, on application by the Authority, that the person has failed, without reasonable excuse (proof of which shall lie on the person), to comply or comply fully with the order, the Court may treat the failure for all purposes as if it were a contempt in the face of the Court. (6) The jurisdiction conferred on the District Court by this section may be exercised by the judge of that Court for the time being assigned to the district court district in which the person concerned ordinarily resides or carries on any profession, business or occupation. Inspectors. 14.—(1) For the purposes of this Act the Authority may appoint members of its staff to be inspectors (including a Chief Inspector) for such period and subject to such terms and conditions as the Authority may determine. (2) Each inspector shall be given a warrant of his or her appointment and, when exercising any power conferred by this Act, shall, on request by any person affected, produce the warrant or a copy thereof, together with a form of personal identification. Power of entry and inspection. 15.—(1) An inspector may, for the purposes of obtaining any information in relation to a matter under investigation by the Authority or of otherwise enabling the Authority to exercise its functions under this Act— (a) at all reasonable times enter, inspect, examine and search any place where the inspector has reasonable cause to believe that a security service is being provided, (b) make such examination and inquiry as may be necessary to establish whether the relevant provisions of this Act or regulations thereunder are being complied with, (c) require the production of any records, books or accounts (whether kept in manual form or otherwise) or any other documents or information which it is necessary for the inspector to see for those purposes and inspect, examine and copy them or require that a copy of them or of any entries in them be provided to him or her, (d) take with him or her a member of the Garda Síochána if he or she has reasonable cause to apprehend any serious obstruction in the execution of his or her duty, (e) require any person to afford him or her such facilities and assistance within the person's control or responsibilities as are reasonably necessary to enable the inspector to exercise any of the powers conferred on him or her under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c). (2) An inspector shall not, other than with the consent of the occupier, enter a private dwelling unless he or she has obtained a warrant under subsection (3) authorising the entry. (3) A judge of the District Court, if satisfied on the sworn information of an inspector that— (a) there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that information required by an inspector under this section is held on any premises or any part of any premises, and (b) an inspector in the exercise of his or her powers under this section has been prevented from entering the premises or any part thereof, may issue a warrant authorising the inspector, accompanied if necessary by other persons, at any time or times within one month from the date of issue of the warrant and on production if so requested of the warrant, to enter, if need be by reasonable force, the premises or part of the premises concerned and exercise all or any of the powers conferred on an inspector by subsection (1). (4) A person who— (a) withholds, destroys, conceals or refuses to furnish any information or thing required for the purposes of an investigation by the Authority, (b) fails or refuses to comply with any requirement of an inspector under this section, or (c) otherwise obstructs or hinders him or her in the performance of duties under this Act, is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. Reports to Minister. 16.—(1) The Authority shall, not later than 30 September in each year, make a report to the Minister on the performance of its functions and on its activities during the preceding year. (2) The Minister shall cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. (3) The report shall be in such form as the Minister may approve and include information in such form and regarding such matters as he or she may direct. (4) The Authority may from time to time make such other reports to the Minister on the performance of its functions as it thinks fit. (5) The Authority shall give to the Minister such other information regarding such performance as he or she may from time to time require. (6) For the purposes of subsection (1) the period between the date of the establishment of the Authority and the following 31 December shall be deemed to be the preceding year referred to in that subsection. Disclosure of interests. 17.—(1) Where a member of the Authority, the Chief Executive, a member of the staff of the Authority or a member of an advisory committee, a consultant or an adviser appointed by it has (otherwise than in that capacity) a pecuniary interest or other beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter to be considered by the Authority, he or she shall— (a) in advance of any consideration of the matter, disclose that interest and its nature to the Authority or advisory committee, as the case may be, (b) neither influence nor seek to influence any decision to be made in relation to it, (c) not make any recommendation in relation to it, (d) not take part in any consideration of it, (e) absent himself or herself from any meeting of the Authority, or any part of such a meeting, at which it is being considered or discussed, (f) not be counted towards a quorum during any such consideration or discussion, and (g) not vote on any decision relating to the matter. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a person shall be regarded for the purposes of this section as having a beneficial interest if— (a) he or she or any connected relative, or any nominee of his or hers or any connected relative, is a member of a company or any other body which has a beneficial interest in, or material to, a matter referred to in that subsection, (b) he or she or any connected relative is in partnership with or is in the employment of a person who has a beneficial interest in, or material to, such a matter, (c) he or she or any connected relative is a party to any arrangement or agreement (whether or not enforceable) concerning land to which such a matter relates, or (d) any connected relative has a beneficial interest in, or material to, such a matter. (3) For the purposes of this section a person shall not be regarded as having a beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter by reason only of an interest of the person, or of any company or other entity or person mentioned in subsection (2), which is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence a person in considering, discussing or voting on any question with respect to the matter or in performing any function in relation to it. (4) Where a question arises as to whether or not a course of conduct, if pursued by a person, would be a failure by the person to comply with subsection (1), it shall be determined by the Authority, and particulars of the determination shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting concerned. (5) Where a disclosure under subsection (1) is made to the Authority or an advisory committee, particulars of the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting concerned. (6) The Minister, if of opinion that a person mentioned in subsection (1) has contravened that subsection, may remove the person from office or terminate his or her contract, and the person shall thereupon cease to be qualified for membership of the Authority or appointment by it in any capacity. (7) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. (8) In this section “connected relative” means, in relation to a person to whom this section applies, the person's spouse or partner or the parent, brother, sister or child of the person or the person's spouse or partner. Non-disclosure of information. 18.—(1) Save as otherwise provided by law, a person shall not, without the consent of the Authority, disclose any information obtained by him or her while performing, or as a result of having performed, duties as a member of the Authority, the Chief Executive, a member of the staff of the Authority or a member of an advisory committee, a consultant or an adviser appointed by it. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000. (3) This section does not apply to the disclosure of information in a report made to the Authority or by the Authority to the Minister. Grants to Authority. 19.—The Minister may from time to time, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, advance to the Authority out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas such sums as the Minister may determine towards the expenses incurred by the Authority in the performance of its functions. Membership, etc., of Dáil, Seanad or European Parliament. 20.—(1) Where a member of the Authority— (a) accepts nomination as a member of Seanad Éireann, (b) is elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or to be a representative in the European Parliament, or (c) is regarded under Part XIII of the Second Schedule to the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 as having been elected to that Parliament, he or she shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Authority. (2) Where the Chief Executive or a member of the staff of the Authority is— (a) nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann, or (b) elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or to be a representative in the European Parliament, or (c) regarded under the said Part XIII as having been elected to that Parliament, he or she shall thereupon stand seconded from employment by the Authority and shall not be paid by, or be entitled to receive from, the Authority any remuneration or allowances in respect of the period commencing on such nomination, election or the date on which he or she is regarded as having been so elected and ending on the date on which he or she ceases to be a member of either such House or a representative in that Parliament. (3) A person who is for the time being entitled under the Standing Orders of either House of the Oireachtas to sit therein or who is a representative in the European Parliament shall, while so entitled or such a representative, be disqualified for appointment as a member or Chief Executive of the Authority or for employment by the Authority in any capacity. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (2), that subsection shall be construed as prohibiting, inter alia, the reckoning of a period mentioned in that subsection as service with the Authority for the purposes of any pensions, gratuities or other allowances payable on resignation, retirement or death. PART 3 Licences to provide Security Services Application for licence. 21.—(1) An application to the Authority for a licence to provide a security service shall be in the prescribed form and be accompanied by— (a) the prescribed fee, and (b) such references as to the applicant's character and competence as the Authority may require, and shall contain such other information as may be required by the Authority. (2) The Authority may require that the applicant's signature be witnessed by a person from within a prescribed category of persons. (3) Without prejudice to sections 24 and 36 , the Authority may— (a) require an applicant to furnish such additional information in respect of the applicant's character, financial position and competence, and make such investigations and conduct such examinations in that regard, as it considers necessary, (b) require verification by affidavit or otherwise of any information provided by the applicant, and (c) require the applicant to supply a certificate by a member of the Garda Síochána not below the rank of superintendent in such form and containing such particulars in relation to the applicant as the Authority may prescribe. (4) In this section references to the applicant's character, financial position and competence include references to the character, financial position and competence of— (a) in the case of a body corporate, the directors, and (b) in the case of a partnership, the partners, and, in either case, any manager, secretary or other officer of the entity concerned. Grant or refusal of licence. 22.—(1) Subject to subsection (3) and sections 24 and 25 , the Authority may grant a licence to a person to provide a security service. (2) When deciding whether to grant a licence the Authority shall take into account any information supplied to it under sections 21 , 34 and 36 . (3) The Authority shall refuse to grant a licence if satisfied— (a) if the applicant is an individual, that he or she: (i) is not a fit and proper person to provide a security service, (ii) is under 18, (iii) does not comply with any requirement of this Act or regulations thereunder, (iv) has not paid the prescribed fee, (b) if the applicant is a body corporate: (i) that any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person purporting to act in that capacity is not a fit and proper person to hold such a position in a body corporate which is providing a security service, (ii) that subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (a) applies in respect of the body corporate, and (c) if the applicant is a partnership, that one or more than one of subparagraphs (i) to (iv) of paragraph (a) applies or apply in respect of any of the partners. (4) A licence, unless sooner surrendered or revoked or otherwise ceasing to be in force, shall remain in force for a period of 2 years from the date on which it is issued or for such longer period as may be prescribed. (5) A licence— (a) does not confer any right of property, and (b) may not be transferred or assigned or be mortgaged, charged or otherwise encumbered. Renewal of licence. 23.—(1) Every licence, unless it has been terminated in accordance with this Act, may, subject to sections 24 , 25 and 26 , be renewed from time to time by the Authority in the prescribed manner. (2) An application for renewal of a licence shall be made within the prescribed time. (3) If the application is not determined by the Authority before the licence expires, the licence shall continue in force until the application has been so determined. (4) Sections 21 and 22 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, in relation to an application under this section. Tax clearance. 24.—(1) In this section— “Act of 1997” means the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 ; “Collector-General” means the Collector-General appointed under section 851 of the Act of 1997; “person” does not include an individual who provides a security service in the course of an employment but includes— (a) in the case of a body corporate, the directors, and (b) in the case of a partnership, the partners; “tax clearance certificate” means a certificate under section 1095 (as substituted by section 127 (b) of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Act of 1997. (2) The Authority shall refuse to grant or renew a licence to or in respect of a person in relation to whom a tax clearance certificate is not in force. (3) The Authority may nevertheless grant or renew a licence to or in respect of such a person if— (a) the person has, at least four months before applying for the grant or renewal, applied for a tax clearance certificate and either— (i) that application has not been determined, or (ii) it has been refused and an appeal against the refusal has been made under section 1094(7) of the Act of 1997 but not determined, and (b) the Authority would, but for subsection (2), have granted or renewed the licence. (4) The Authority shall notify the Collector-General of the issue of a licence granted or renewed under subsection (3). (5) Such a licence shall expire— (a) if the application for a tax clearance certificate is granted or is granted on appeal, on the day on which it would expire if the certificate had been in force when the licence was granted or renewed, (b) if the application is refused and— (i) an appeal against the refusal under the said section 1094(7) is not made within the period of 30 days after the refusal, on the expiration of that period, or (ii) such an appeal is so made but is not successful, 7 days after the appeal has been determined or finally determined. (6) The Collector-General shall notify the Authority of the determination of any such application for a tax clearance certificate, of any appeal against a refusal of such an application and of the final determination of any such appeal. (7) The reference in subsection (3)(a)(ii) to section 1094(7) is to that provision as applied by subsection (6) of section 1095 (as substituted by section 127 (b) of the Finance Act 2002 ) of the Act of 1997. Documents to accompany certain applications. 25.—The Authority shall refuse to grant an application for a licence or for renewal of a licence— (a) by or on behalf of a company, unless the application is accompanied by a certificate of the incorporation of the company, certified by the registrar of companies under section 370 (1)(b) of the Companies Act 1963 and dated not earlier than 4 weeks before the date of the application, or (b) by or on behalf of a person carrying on business under a name that is not that of the beneficial owner of the business, unless the application is accompanied by a copy of a certificate of registration of the person under the Registration of Business Names Act 1963 , certified in accordance with section 16(1)(b) of that Act. Refusal to renew, suspension, etc., of licence. 26.—(1) Subject to section 27 , the Authority may— (a) refuse to renew a licence, or (b) at any time suspend a licence for a specified period or revoke it, if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee— (i) has supplied information in or in connection with the application for the licence or its renewal that was false or misleading in a material particular, (ii) has contravened any provision of this Act or regulations thereunder (whether or not the licensee has been convicted of an offence in relation to the contravention), or (iii) is no longer a fit and proper person to provide a security service, or if the Authority would not have granted the licence or renewed it if information obtained subsequent to the date of its grant or renewal had been available at that date. (2) (a) The Authority shall— (i) refuse to renew a licence, or at any time suspend a licence for a specified period or revoke it, if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the safety or welfare of any person or persons is or may be at risk from the continuance in force of the licence, and (ii) notify the licensee of its decision. (b) Section 27 does not apply in relation to a decision under this subsection. (3) Without prejudice to subsection (1), if the Authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee— (a) has been guilty of misconduct in the course of providing a security service, or (b) has contravened any provision of this Act or regulations thereunder (whether or not the licensee has been convicted of an offence in relation to the contravention), it may take whichever of the following actions in relation to the licence or licensee is in its opinion appropriate in the circumstances of the case: (i) revocation of the licence, (ii) suspension of the licence for a specified period, (iii) reprimand, (iv) warning, (v) caution, (vi) advice. (4) A licence which is suspended shall not be in force during the period of its suspension. (5) A person whose licence has been suspended or revoked shall comply with any directions of the Authority in relation to delivering up to it the person's licence and identity card. Notification to applicant of refusal, etc. 27.—(1) If the Authority proposes to— (a) refuse to grant or renew a licence, (b) suspend it for a specified period, or (c) revoke it, it shall notify the applicant or licensee of its proposal and consider any representations that are made to it in writing by the applicant or licensee within 14 days after the notification. (2) If the Authority, having considered any such representations, decides to refuse to grant or renew a licence or to suspend or revoke it, it shall notify the applicant or licensee of the decision and the grounds for it and of the procedure for appealing against it. Variation of licensed security service. 28.—(1) A licensee may apply to the Authority for a variation in the kind or kinds of security service to which the licence relates. (2) Sections 21 and 22 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, in relation to the application. Identity cards. 29.—(1) The Authority shall issue an identity card to each individual who is a licensee. (2) Each such individual— (a) shall have the identity card in his or her possession when providing the security service authorised by the licence, and (b) shall, on request, produce it there and then for inspection by any person for whom the licensee is providing a security service under the licence and permit such a person to inspect it. (3) A member of the Garda Síochána may require an individual who in the member's opinion is providing a security service to produce there and then for inspection by the member the identity card issued to the individual in connection with the grant of a licence authorising the provision of the service. (4) An individual who produces an identity card in accordance with subsection (3) shall permit the person to whom it is produced to inspect it. (5) Where an individual does not comply with subsection (3) or (4), the member of the Garda Síochána concerned may require the individual to give his or her name and address. (6) The powers conferred on a member of the Garda Síochána by subsections (3) and (5) may also be exercised by an inspector. (7) (a) In this subsection “identity card” includes an identity card or other form of identification issued by a corresponding authority. (b) An individual shall not— (i) produce for inspection an identity card issued to another individual, or (ii) with intent to deceive, make or use a document purporting to be an identity card, alter an identity card or use an altered identity card. (c) An individual who contravenes paragraph (b) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. (8) A member of the Garda Síochána may arrest without warrant— (a) an individual who refuses to produce the identity card issued to him or her when required to do so under subsection (3) or does not permit the person to whom an identity card is produced under subsection (3) to inspect it, (b) an individual who— (i) does not give his or her name and address when required by a person under subsection (5) to do so, or (ii) gives a name or address which that person reasonably believes to be false, or (c) an individual whom the member, with reasonable cause, suspects of having contravened subsection (7)(b). (9) An individual who— (a) contravenes subsection (2)(a) or (4), or (b) does not comply with a request under subsection (2)(b) or a requirement under subsection (3) or (5), is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000. (10) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (2) or (3) for the defendant to prove that he or she had a reasonable excuse for not complying with the subsection concerned. Identity badges. 30.—(1) An individual who is a member of a prescribed category of licensees shall, when providing a security service, wear an identity badge. (2) An individual shall not— (i) wear an identity badge relating to another individual, or (ii) with intent to deceive, make or use a badge purporting to be an identity badge, alter an identity badge or use an altered identity badge. (3) An individual who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. (4) It is a defence in proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) for the defendant to prove that he or she had a reasonable excuse for not complying with the subsection concerned. (5) In this section— “identity badge” means a badge— (a) which clearly indicates the licence number of the licensee concerned, (b) whose form, content and size are as prescribed for identity badges to be worn by members of the prescribed category of licensees concerned, and (c) which, when worn, is clearly visible; “prescribed category” means a category prescribed for the purposes of this section. Issue of duplicate licence or identity card. 31.—The Authority, if satisfied that a licence or an identity card has been lost or destroyed, may issue a duplicate thereof on payment of the prescribed fee. Surrender of licence. 32.—(1) Where— (a) a licence is suspended or revoked or it expires, or (b) a licensee ceases to provide a security service, the licensee shall forthwith surrender to the Authority in the prescribed manner the licence and any identity card issued to the licensee. (2) On the suspension, revocation or expiration of a licence, an inspector may seize and retain the licence and any identity card so issued. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000. Register of licensees. 33.—(1) The Authority shall, as soon as may be after the commencement of this section, establish and maintain for the purposes of this Act a register of licensees to be known as the Private Security Register and which is referred to in this Act as “the Register”. (2) The Register shall be in such form, and contain such entries and additions, as may be prescribed from time to time. (3) The Register shall be kept at the offices of the Authority and be made available for inspection by any person free of charge during office hours. (4) A copy of an entry in the Register shall, on request, be issued by the Authority on payment of such fee (if any), not exceeding the reasonable cost of making the copy, as may be prescribed. (5) In any proceedings a document purporting to be a copy of such an entry and to be certified by an officer of the Authority to be a true copy of the entry shall, without proof of the signature of the person purporting so to certify the document or that he or she was such an officer, be received in evidence and shall, unless the contrary is shown, be deemed to be a true copy of the entry and to be evidence of the matters stated in it. (6) The Authority shall cause the Register to be printed and published within one month after the establishment of the Register and annually thereafter. (7) The Authority shall, when and as often as the Register is published, cause a copy of it to be furnished to every Garda station as soon as may be, and the copy shall be available for inspection at those stations by any person during normal business hours. Provision of information by Garda Síochána. 34.—(1) The Authority may request the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána to provide any information requisite for the due performance of its functions in relation to any applicant for a licence or any licensee. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any enactment, the Commissioner shall comply with any such request. Production or display of licence. 35.— Section 29 shall have effect in relation to possessing a licence or producing it for inspection as it does in relation to possessing or so producing an identity card, with the modification that, where the licensee is a company, it shall be sufficient compliance with subsections (2)(b) and (3), as so applied, of that section if the licence— (a) is kept in the company's registered office, (b) is displayed in a conspicuous place there, and (c) is available for inspection on request by a member of the Garda Síochána, an inspector or any person for whom the licensee is providing a security service, and with any other necessary modifications. Notification of conviction of offence. 36.—(1) An applicant for a licence, or a licensee, who has been convicted of an offence (other than a prescribed offence), or against whom proceedings for such an offence are pending, under the law of the State or another state shall notify the Authority of the conviction or proceedings in the prescribed manner within the prescribed period and supply the Authority with the prescribed particulars thereof. (2) A licensee shall, within the prescribed period, report to the Authority such other matter as may be prescribed. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. (4) A person shall not be convicted of an offence under this section if the court is satisfied that, in the case of an applicant or a licensee who has been convicted of an offence, or against whom proceedings for an offence are pending, in a place other than the State, the offence does not correspond with any offence under the law of the State. Prohibition of unlicensed security service. 37.—(1) A private security employer or an individual referred to in any of the paragraphs of the definition of “security service” in section 2 (1) shall not, on or after the commencement of the paragraph concerned, provide a security service or hold himself or herself out or represent himself or herself by— (a) advertisement, (b) displaying any shield, card or other object purporting to indicate that he or she is a licensee, or (c) otherwise, as available to provide such a service unless the individual is the holder of a licence under this Act authorising him or her to provide that particular service. (2) Subsection (1) applies, with the necessary modifications, in relation to a body corporate and an unincorporated body of persons as it applies in relation to an individual. (3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable— (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. Prohibition of employment of unlicensed person. 38.—(1) A person shall not employ a person, or engage an independent contractor, to provide a security service if that person or the contractor is required to, but does not, hold a licence to provide the service. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is liable— (a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or (b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both. (3) In any proceedings for a contravention of subsection (1) it is a defence to prove that the person providing the security service produced to the defendant— (a) if the person is an individual, his or her identity card or licence, or (b) if not, the person's licence. PART 4 Complaints against Licensees Investigation of complaints. 39.—(1) Any person may make a complaint in writing to the Authority against a licensee in relation to the conduct of the licensee in the course of providing a security service, including an alleged contravention by the licensee of any provision of this Act or regulations made thereunder. (2) On receipt of such a complaint, the Authority, if satisfied that the complaint is made in good faith and is not frivolous or vexatious, shall investigate it, giving the licensee and the complainant an opportunity to be heard during the investigation. (3) On completion of the investigation— (a) the Authority may decide not to uphold the complaint; (b) if the Authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee— (i) has been guilty of misconduct in the course of providing a security service, or (ii) has contravened any provision of this Act or regulations thereunder (whether or not the licensee has been convicted of an offence in relation to the contravention), it may take whichever of the following actions in relation to the licence or licensee is in its opinion appropriate in the circumstances of the case: (I) revocation of the licence, (II) suspension of the l …