Minister Jim O’Callaghan launches the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan of the Private Security Authority
- Foilsithe: 20 Samhain 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 20 Samhain 2025
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has today launched the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan of the Private Security Authority at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Chairperson Jillian van Turnhout and CEO John Phelan were also in attendance.
The Private Security Authority (PSA) is an important body tasked with regulating the activities of those involved in the private security industry to ensure the interests of the public are fully protected through the establishment, promotion, monitoring and enforcement of appropriate standards.
As part of the PSA’s objective to raise awareness of its work, the Minister welcomes the Authority’s commitment to develop a new communications strategy and its participation in critical operations such as multi-agency inspections.
Speaking on the 2026-2028 PSA Strategic Plan, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:
“The private security industry plays an integral role in protecting the public, ensuring personal safety and assisting in crime prevention across the country.
Over the next three years, the Private Security Authority aims to continue to streamline and improve practices by working in partnership with the industry to strengthen competence and improve standards.
The Strategic Plan also focuses on continuing to expand licensing and maximising operational efficiency and impact through the use of modern technology. Leveraging and building the expertise of PSA staff is also a priority.”
The Strategic Plan sets out four goals for the next three years, addressing modernisation, reporting, resources, leadership and both internal and external collaboration.
Minister O’Callaghan continued:
“This Strategic Plan is an important milestone for the PSA as it continues to improve standards, strengthen regulation and ensure the fair and effective enforcement of compliance.
My Department and I look forward to working in partnership with the PSA on the implementation of this Strategic Plan.”
Jillian van Turnhout, Chairperson of the PSA said:
“This plan represents the PSA's transition from establishment to consolidation. Our priorities are clear: strengthen regulatory effectiveness, ensure compliance, build public confidence through enhanced communications, and advance professional standards in partnership with industry. Delivering on these objectives will require continued collaboration with the Minister and the Department”
John Phelan, Chief Executive of the PSA said:
“The PSA has accomplished a great deal in the 21 years since it was established. Working with the private security industry, it has raised standards and brought about significant improvements in how private security services are provided. Over the course of the next three years we will build on those solid foundations, providing a better experience for licence holders and sharpening our inspection targeting.”
John Phelan continued:
“There needs to be greater public awareness of the risks associated with unlicensed providers and the importance of using only licensed providers of security services. We will develop a communications strategy to deliver these key messages. In tandem with this, we will ensure compliance by continuing to take enforcement action against unlicenced providers.”
ENDS...///
Notes for the editor
- The Private Security Authority (PSA), established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, as amended, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry in the State and is an independent body under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
- The Private Security Services Act 2004 (as amended) sets out the security services licensable by the Authority.
- The PSA currently has 15 sectors under licence.