Ken O'Flynn
Portrait: © Houses of the Oireachtas (Oireachtas (Open Data) PSI Licence) · source file
Independent Ireland · Cork North-Central · serving since 2024-11-29
- Vote recorded in 265 of 401 divisions in the archive
- 401 debate contributions
- 8,304 parliamentary questions asked
Record timeline
- constituency Cork North-Central 2024-11-29 to present
- party Independent Ireland 2024-11-29 to present
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
270. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
271. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
272. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
273. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
274. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
275. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
276. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
277. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
278. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will clarify what constitutes "reasonable force" for private security staff in licensed venues; whether guidance includes practical scenarios in nightlife settings; and whether current enforcement mechanisms are adequate to prevent misuse. [64513/25]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
279. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
280. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
281. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
282. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
283. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
284. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
285. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will commission a comprehensive review of the Private Security Services Act 2004, including licensing, citizen's arrest, holding areas, training, complaints handling, and duty-of-care provisions, with a view to addressing systemic gaps and improving protection for members of the public. [64526/25]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
286. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
287. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
288. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
289. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
290. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
291. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
292. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
293. 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]
written
2025-11-19 · to Justice
294. 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]