asked the Minister for Justice the date on which a person (name supplied) was appointed a Peace Commissioner; and if the appointee had previously been convicted of receiving stolen property and was sentenced to 12 months hard labour in respect thereof.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Peace Commissioner.
28.
The person in question was appointed a Peace Commissioner on 25th April last, the usual inquiries having been made and certification received from the Gardaí that he was of excellent character and suitable in every way. It now transpires that a criminal conviction was recorded against him 38 years ago and that he was given a suspensory sentence on entering into a bond to keep the peace and to make compensation.
I do not propose to take any further action in the matter.
Is it not a fact that if it transpired in the ordinary course— is the Minister raising a query that he is not sitting down? — if it happened in the ordinary course of a person's period as a Peace Commissioner that he is asked to resign his commissionership, if he does not resign he is dismissed?
On the ordinary basis of Christian charity — will Deputy Sweetman please sit down? —I would not expect the Gardaí in making their recommendation on the suitability or otherwise of a person to be appointed as a Peace Commissioner to take into account an event which occurred as far back as 38 years ago, particularly having regard to the petty nature of the offence.
Is it not a fact that the man was charged on seven counts, convicted on three, and that at least two of these convictions render a person in the eyes of the ordinary public entirely unsuitable? Is it further a fact that the only reason that person was appointed a Peace Commissioner was that he was a Fianna Fáil candidate at the recent local elections?
I take my stand on the fact that I will not take into account, nor do I expect the Garda to take into account, on the ordinary basis of Christian charity——
I am not interested in Christian charity so far as Fianna Fáil are concerned. It does not exist for them.
——a matter which merited a suspensory sentence some 38 years ago or more.
Is it a fact that he received stolen goods——
Will Deputy Sweetman behave himself? Do not shout me down here. Deputy Sweetman is the most arrogant Deputy in the House.
The Minister is one of the most arrogant Deputies in the House.