Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the process involved in appointing peace commissioners, including the application process and the method by which these positions are advertised; the number of peace commissioners in the State, broken down by county; if it is intended to amend the law in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23435/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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. The office of Peace Commissioner is an honorary one for which there is no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services.

The process to appoint a Peace Commissioner is published on the Government’s website:

www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/003e0-peace-commissioners/

A person who wishes to be considered for such appointment may make an application to my Department. Alternatively, third parties (including, but not limited to, public representatives) may nominate individuals for consideration for appointment by writing to my Department. Applications/nominations may be sent to the Peace Commissioner Unit, Department of Justice, 51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, or to Peacecommissioner@justice.ie.

Some individuals are appointed to the office of Peace Commissioner by virtue of the role/employment that they hold; such appointees are referred to as ex-officio Peace Commissioners.

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. With that caveat, and as of 21 May 2024, the Department’s records indicate that details of the following appear on the Roll; both numbers are broken down by county.

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.