Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2018
181. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give consideration to the provision of an information pack and signature stamp to all persons appointed as peace commissioners; and if he will arrange for a designated person within his Department to be available to provide advice to peace commissioners as issues arise in view of the often complex legal role which they are required to fulfil. [49808/18]
View answerPeace Commissioners are appointed under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. In all cases, persons are nominated for the role of Peace Commissioner and it is incumbent upon them to be aware of the demands of the position before accepting appointment. Nonetheless, on appointment, Peace Commissioners are issued with information notes for guidance. Those information notes are under continuous review and will be amended with further information or clarifications as required. Further, officials in my Department are conversant with the role and duties attached to the Office of Peace Commissioner and are always available to answer queries from Peace Commissioners themselves and members of the public.
The Courts of Justice Act 1924 does not require that Peace Commissioners add a stamp to their signature and it is not a requirement of my Department that they have a stamp. A Peace Commissioner’s signature is the only official requirement. Although I do not intend at this time to amend the legislation relating to Peace Commissioners , I will keep the issue under review.
