Private Investigators
In Ireland, private investigators must be licensed by the Private Security Authority (PSA) according to the Private Security Services Act. This regulation ensures that all private investigative activities are conducted in accordance with legal and professional standards.
It is an offence for any individual or company to perform private investigation duties as outlined by the PSA without a PSA 42 licence.
Employees performing licensable activities in other industries, such as banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and law firms, also require PSA 42 licensing. Additionally, private investigators working exclusively for a single PSA-licensed private investigation contractor are considered employees and must obtain an employee licence.
Beyond legal compliance, obtaining a PSA 42 licence offers several benefits, including
- Enhanced credibility and trust – increased customer confidence that investigators operate with integrity and professionalism, and adhere to strict regulatory standards.
- Access to more clients and contracts – assurance that investigators are legally recognised and authorised to perform investigative work.
- Legal protection and recognition – assurance that any evidence gathered will be admissible in court and that the investigator’s findings will be respected in legal proceedings.
