Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expand the role of peace commissioners to include the signing of forms which would prevent the need for persons to attend a Garda station to have such relevant forms signed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38895/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed (and may be removed from that appointment) by the Minister for Justice under Section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924.

The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of:

- Taking statutory declarations

- Witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities

- Signing certificates and orders under various Acts

- The Courts of Justice Act 1924 also gives Peace Commissioners the power to issue summons and warrants but these powers are less frequently used these days.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have no plans at present to review or expand the current powers and duties of Peace Commissioners.