Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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501. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on his role in appointing peace commissioners; the current number of peace commissioners, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9154/25]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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502. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the process of becoming a peace commissioner; the average time between application and a decision being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice in accordance with section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924. 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. There are currently no qualifying examinations or educational standards required to be appointed as a Peace Commissioner. The 1924 Act provides that appointees are fit and proper persons, i.e. they are required to be of good character. Individuals may also be appointed in an ex-officio capacity, where appropriate, due to the nature of their work.

A person who wishes to be considered for appointment may make an application to my Department. It is not possible to give an exact timeframe for the appointment process as it can vary considerably depending on individual circumstances.

A review of the role and functions of Peace Commissioners, as well as of the appointment process for Peace Commissioners, is underway in my Department

The current number of peace commissioners, by county can be found in the table below. My Department maintains the Roll of Peace Commissioners and while every effort is made to keep the Roll up to date, the data may include Peace Commissioners who are no longer active.