Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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433. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will support the concept of automatically appointing Commissioners for Oaths as Peace Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16320/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Peace Commissioners are appointed by me under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. The appointment of Commissioners for Oaths however is a matter for the Chief Justice and I have no role in these appointments.

There is a separate and distinct application process and appointment procedure in place for Commissioners for Oaths and Peace Commissioners. It is also the case that Commissioners for Oaths are usually practising solicitors whereas it is established practice not to appoint individuals working in the legal profession as Peace Commissioners. While noting the Deputy's suggestion, it is not possible in the circumstances to automatically appoint Commissioners for Oaths as Peace Commissioners.