Nine out of 10 private security companies believe licensing of the sector has been a good development for the industry, citing the need to get rid of "cowboys" as the main reason for this, a new survey published yesterday has indicated.
However, the research, conducted on behalf of the Irish Security Industry Association, also reveals concerns about the length of time it takes for the Garda vetting process to be completed.
Almost four out of 10 companies that took part in the survey said they were dissatisfied with the Garda vetting process. Among the concerns they raised were the length of time it takes to conclude this process, difficulty getting clearance and the fact that people with a criminal record can get licensed.
Others, however, said they had not encountered any problem with the service.
According to the telephone survey of 45 security companies, which was undertaken by Lansdowne Market Research on behalf of the ISIA, nine out of 10 security companies are licensed by the Private Security Authority.
Ninety-one per cent welcomed the introduction of mandatory licensing. Since April, it has been an offence to operate in a designated sector of the private security industry without a licence.
Asked why this was a good development, 41 per cent said there was a need to get rid of "cowboys", with 28 per cent replying that there was a need for regulation of the sector.