8.—(1) The Authority shall, subject to this Act, control and supervise persons providing security services and maintain and improve standards in the provision by them of those services.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Authority may, and where required by this Act shall—

(a) grant and renew licences,

(b) issue identity cards to licensees,

(c) where appropriate, suspend or revoke licences,

(d) establish and maintain a register of licensees,

(e) specify standards to be observed in the provision of security services by licensees or particular categories of licensees,

(f) specify qualifications or any other requirements (including requirements as to training) for the grant of licences,

(g) undertake or commission, or collaborate or assist in, research projects and activities relating to the provision of security services, including the compilation of statistical information and other records necessary for the proper planning, development and provision of those services,

(h) investigate any security services being provided by any person,

(i) establish and administer a system of investigation and adjudication of complaints against licensees,

(j) monitor the provision of private security services generally,

(k) liaise with licensees with a view to keeping itself informed of any matters requiring its attention,

(l) advise the Minister on any matter relating to its functions,

(m) keep the Minister informed of developments in relation to the provision of security services by licensees or particular categories of licensees and assist him or her in coordinating and developing policy in that regard.

(3) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, by order—

(a) confer on the Authority such additional functions relating to security services and connected with the functions conferred on it by subsections (1) and (2) or any order under this subsection as the Minister considers appropriate, and

(b) make such provision as the Minister considers necessary or expedient in relation to matters ancillary to or arising out of any of the functions mentioned in paragraph (a).

(4) The Minister may by order amend or revoke an order under this section, including an order under this subsection.

(5) Any function of the Authority may, without prejudice to its general responsibilities under this Act, be performed through or by its Chief Executive or any other member of its staff duly authorised in that behalf.

(6) The Authority may, subject to this Act, do anything which it considers necessary or expedient for enabling it to perform its functions.