Seán Crowe
Question:423. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice the total number of peace commissioners registered on the most recent roll maintained by her Department. [22457/24]
View answerTuesday, 21 May 2024
Questions (423)
Written answers
In line with the provisions of section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924, Peace Commissioners are appointed, and may be removed from that appointment, by me in my capacity as Minister for Justice. My Department maintains the Roll of Peace Commissioners and, while efforts are made to keep the Roll up to date, it is acknowledged that the records do not always reflect the actual situation on the ground. This is because my Department currently relies on Peace Commissioners themselves, and other interested parties (including, for example, family members of Peace Commissioners), to update the Department with regard to changes in circumstances of individual Peace Commissioners since their appointment. It is, therefore, difficult to provide precise information on the total number currently serving as Peace Commissioners.
I can confirm that at present there are in the region of 4,500 individuals named on the Roll in addition to approximately 300 individuals who were appointed to the office of Peace Commissioner in an ex officio capacity.
The legislation underpinning the office of Peace Commissioner dates back a century. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the role, functions and appointment process related to the office of Peace Commissioner. Recommendations regarding any legislative amendments deemed appropriate will be brought forward in the context of a report on this review, which will be submitted to me in due course. Consideration is also being given to making the Roll of Peace Commissioners available online.