PRESS RELEASE

29 June 2009

Ref: Ad Hoc PSI 03/08/09

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS ON DRAFT PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY ACT 2001

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Private Security Industry Order has published its report on the proposed draft Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Amendments) (Northern Ireland) Order 2009.

Following publication of the report, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee Trevor Clarke, MLA said: “ The Committee welcomes the opportunity to report to the Assembly on its recommendations relating to the proposed amendments to the Private Security Industry Act. These, if implemented will bring Northern Ireland legislation into line with the rest of the UK. We would, however, have liked more time to fully consider all the options.

“We do have a number of concerns that are detailed in the report, including the cost of obtaining a security licence and the issue of dealing with people with conflict related convictions.

“The Committee feels that the introduction of these proposals could be delayed to take account of its concerns. The Committee further considers that the Minister should reflect on the findings and recommendations in this report before making any final decisions, as these issues are of great concern to anyone involved in the private security industry.”

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Private Security Industry was established on 18 May 2009 by the Northern Ireland Assembly to consider the new draft legislation on the Private Security Industry published, for consultation, by the Security Minister, the Rt Hon Paul Goggins MP. The Committee took evidence from the Federation of Licensed Trade NI, North Down Borough Council, Belfast City Council, the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NIACRO), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and the Security Minister, Paul Goggins MP.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Ad Hoc Committee on the Private Security Industry was established on 18 May 2009 by the Northern Ireland Assembly to consider the new draft legislation on the Private Security Industrypublished, for consultation, by the Security Minister, Rt Hon Paul Goggins MP.

The aim of the proposed legislation is to make a number of minor amendments to the Private Security Industry Act 2001, which sets up a regulatory regime for the private security industry and bring the Northern Ireland legislation into line with the rest of the United Kingdom.

A consultation on the future regulation of the private security industry in Northern Ireland was undertaken by the Northern Ireland Office from 29 August to 24 October 2006.

The Members of the Committee are:

Chairperson Mr Trevor Clarke
Deputy Chairperson Mr Raymond McCartney

Committee Members

Alliance Party
Dr Stephen Farry

Democratic Unionist Party
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Stephen Moutray
Mr Adrian McQuillan

Sinn Féin Party
Mr Cathal Boylan
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín

Social Democratic and Labour Party
Mr Thomas Burns
Mr John Dallat

Ulster Unionist Party
Mr Alan McFarland
Mr David McNarry

Committee Clerk Denis Arnold
Room 153, Parliament Buildings
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3XX
Tel: 028 90 521280

denis.arnold@niassembly.gov.uk

A copy of the draft legislation and relevant explanatory document are available from the Northern Ireland Office by emailing this address:- gavin.greenlees@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk

For media enquiries please contact:
Debra Savage
Northern Ireland Assembly
Communications Officer
Telephone: 028 90 521405
Mobile : 07920 864221
Email: info@niassembly.gov.uk