In 1974, the managing director of ATA Security, Paul Flanagan    , spearheaded the setting up of standards for alarm systems in Ireland working closely with the Security Industry, Gardai, Insurance Industry and the Standards Authority.

In the late '70's Paul as president of the ISIA, had the honour of launching the first Irish Intruder Alarm Standard IS.199. To this day, he continues to develop standards both at home and in Europe in conjunction with the relevant authorities.

In 1979, Paul represented Ireland at the first European Alarm meeting held in London under the auspices of the British Home office to ascertain the feasibility of a European Alarm Standard.

The Irish Technical Committee TC.13
All European countries are now operating under this standard. Conflicting national standard such as IS: 199 have been withdrawn. Since 1989, Paul has been re-elected to chair TC.13 which he continues to this day. He is also a member of TC. 79, WGI Cenelec Commitee, who are responsible for and currently revising Standard EN 50131-1 and EN 50131-7.

The Irish Technical Commitee TC.13 is responsible for the European harmonisation process in Ireland for standards relating to Intruder Alarm Systems, CCTV, Access control Systems, Social Alarms, etc. as well as standard IS: 228.

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The Security Federation of Ireland
An umbrella organisation set up to represent the collective opinions of the Security Industry both at home in Ireland and worldwide. Paul Flanagan     served as SFI's 1st President from 1995 to 2000 and was re-elected in 2002 as current president. SFI covers a wide variety of associations which represents all aspects of the Industry and is affiliated to The Security Confederation - Europe (COESS).

The Irish Government have recently introduced legislation for the licencing of the private security industry in Ireland which covers individuals and companies engaged in providing security services to individuals including; door supervisors, bouncers, private security guards, electronic engineers, consultants engaged in the provisions of security services, and companies. The licencing authority is responsible for the licencing of the industry.

The SFI played a major role in helping to bring the need for legislation into the public arena. The SFI have compiled the 1st standard for the manned security sector (IS:199). This standard is at the revision stage at present.