Written answers

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Peace Commissioners

9:00 am

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the power, duties and responsibilities of Peace Commissioners; and the information that is provided to commissioners to assist them in their role and specifically if his Department have provided further documentation regarding detecting and reporting incidents of welfare fraud. [37103/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. It is an honorary position and a Peace Commissioner receives no remuneration or compensation from public funds. Peace Commissioners are not entitled to charge or receive for their own benefit any fee or compensation from members of the public. At present, the powers and duties of a Peace Commissioner are mainly;

the taking of statutory declarations;

witnessing signatures on documents if that is required by various authorities;

signing certificates and orders under various Acts;

signing search warrants for An Garda Síochána.

On appointment Peace Commissioners are issued with a guidance manual explaining their role and duties. This manual is updated, from time to time, to take account of changes in legislation. The role of the Peace Commissioner does not encompass any specific function relating to the detection or reporting of welfare fraud. However, as with any member of the public, it is open to a Peace Commissioner to report such matters to the relevant authority at his or her discretion.

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