Unlicensed operators in the security industry are a concern for security companies, a new survey has found.
The survey, commissioned by the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA), has indicated that although regulating the security industry has been welcomed, there are still unlicensed operators trading.
It found that 80 per cent of security companies believe that unlicensed operators were still trading in the industry and 74 per cent believe that not enough is being done to police and enforce licensing.
A separate study, done with the industry survey, looked at the impact of regulation on purchasers of security services. In that, 98 per cent of those surveyed agreed that regulation was a positive move, and 76 per cent felt that image of the security industry was improving due to licensing.
A total of 90 per cent of companies believe that Garda vetting of potential employees is very important, but 40 per cent are unhappy with the process, claiming it takes too long.
Martin Stairs, president of the ISIA, said: "It is very clear that a large sector of the industry is unhappy with the fact that unlicensed companies are still operating, despite the introduction of licensing.
"The length of time taken by gardaí to vet potential staff is also causing problems for the sector - and this is also an area which clearly requires additional resources and commitment," Mr Stairs said.
The Private Security Authority (PSA) welcomed the research carried out by the ISIA and commended them on undertaking such a valuable study of the industry.
Speaking today, Geraldine Larkin, ceo of the PSA said: "It is rewarding for the Authority, coming up to the second anniversary of licensing, to see that 91 per cent of contractors view licensing as a good development".