People who break laws governing the private security industry face a fine of £1,500 or imprisonment for up to a year under the terms of a new Bill.
The legislation, to be published by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, will have provision for a new authority to supervise bouncers, suppliers of security equipment, private investigators, security guards, armoured car providers, locksmiths and installers of safes.
The main function of the Private Security Authority will be to operate a licensing system for providers of such services in order to maintain and improve standards within the industry.
The authority may request details of a criminal record held by an applicant. Those who wish to be licensed will have to go to their local Garda superintendent to get a certificate signed.
The authority will publish a register of licensed providers of security services each year and will issue identity cards to all licensees. It will also set training standards and create a system for investigating complaints.
The Bill will set out the grounds on which the authority shall refuse to issue a licence. These include that the applicant is not a fit and proper person to provide a security service.
Provision has been made for setting up an independent private security board to hear and determine appeals against decisions of the authority.
The members of the authority, to be appointed by the Minister, will represent interests including security employers and employees, the Garda and the staff of the authority.
The Bill creates a number of new offences, including providing a security service without a licence, providing false information in support of a licence application and employing a person to provide a security service if that person is required to, but does not have, a licence.
Mr O'Donoghue said the legislation was being introduced at the behest of the private security industry and it would enhance the image of the industry, provide quality assurance for customers and reassure the public.
"Private security services cover a broad range of activities and occupations and now form an important area of economic activity," he said.
Mr O'Donoghue said he believed the legislation would provide a sound footing for the industry to expand by promoting consumer confidence and improving the quality of service.