asked the Minister for Justice the total number of peace commissioners appointed by him since 1957; and the criteria of suitability for such appointements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peace Commissioners.
57.
The total number of peace commissioners appointed in the period from 1st January, 1957 to 31st May, 1971, was 2,419. The total number of peace commissioners who ceased to hold office in the same period was 2,035.
To be considered suitable for appointment as a peace commissioner in a particular area a person must be normally resident or employed in that area, he must be of good character and he must be capable of discharging the functions of the office.
(Cavan): In view of the plentiful supply of peace commissioners throughout the country will the Minister agree there does not appear to be any valid argument for arrest without warrant?
No, I would not so agree.
Is the total number of peace commissioners 2,400?
No. The question asked for the total number appointed in the period 1957-1971. The total at the moment is 4,934. That was the figure on 1st May.
Would the Minister agree that the peculiar situation arises in which we have almost one peace commissioner for every garda?
That is a separate question.
Acting Chairman
Question No. 58.
May I ask the Minister to elaborate as to the criteria of suitability?
Acting Chairman
I have called Question No. 58 and I would ask the Minister to answer it.
I was, in the general interest, tempted to answer Deputy Desmond.
Acting Chairman
I am sorry. I have called Question No. 58.