Parliamentary questions

259. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider introducing a requirement for licensed venues to inform patrons of their rights regarding searches, including through visible signage and written policies, to ensure that searches are conducted lawfully and transparently. [64488/25]

260. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether private security personnel licensed by the Private Security Authority owe a duty of care to patrons being removed from licensed premises; and if so, what guidance or statutory standards exist to ensure that patrons are not exposed to foreseeable harm during removal. [64490/25]

261. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the PSA provides specific guidance or training on the removal of intoxicated patrons; and whether security staff are required to ensure such individuals are escorted safely to a public area, taxi, or trusted companion, rather than being simply ejected. [64491/25]

262. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether security staff are trained to recognise that a patron may be vulnerable due to being spiked, drugged, or otherwise incapacitated, and whether there are protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of such individuals during removal. [64492/25]

263. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues are required to assess environmental risks when removing patrons at night, including isolated streets, dark alleys, or adverse weather, and whether security staff are expected to mitigate these risks in practice. [64493/25]

264. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether licensed venues and security personnel are required to document incidents where patrons are removed, particularly where they are intoxicated or vulnerable; and whether this documentation is reviewed by the PSA to ensure compliance with duty-of-care standards. [64494/25]

265. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a failure by security personnel to exercise reasonable care when removing patrons - for example, by leaving intoxicated or vulnerable individuals in unsafe circumstances can result in civil or criminal liability for the security personnel or the venue. [64495/25]

266. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he will consider enhancing PSA training, codes of conduct, and enforcement standards to explicitly cover duty of care obligations for security staff, including safe removal procedures, risk assessment, and safeguarding of vulnerable patrons. [64496/25]

267. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the Private Security Authority prohibits individuals with previous convictions for assault, public order offences, or violent crime from obtaining a licence; and whether he considers the current vetting process adequate to protect the public. [64498/25]

268. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration how the PSA determines whether a person with a criminal record is suitable to work as a licensed security professional; whether there are guidelines or criteria for assessing risk; and whether any improvements are being considered. [64499/25]

269. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether criminal convictions from other countries are considered when licensing private security personnel; and whether gaps in international vetting could allow individuals with violent histories to be employed in high-risk environments. [64500/25]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 …

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 wh…

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]