Powers and Duties

The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of:

1. Taking statutory declarations
2. Witnessing signatures on documents as required by various authorities
3. Signing certificates and orders under various Acts

The Courts of Justice Act (1924) gives Peace Commissioners the power to issue summons and warrants though nowadays these powers are less frequently used.

Peace Commissioner

Liam Brady is an appointed Peace Commissioner, a position he has proudly held since 1993.

A Peace Commissioner is appointed in Ireland by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

To be appointed as a Peace Commissioner, it is required to be a person of good character and well established in the local community. Anyone who has been charged with or convicted of a serious offence would not be considered. Anybody serving as a Peace Commissioner subsequently convicted for a serious offence, would find their appointment immediately ceased. Solicitors and persons employed in their offices and members of the clergy are, as a matter of practice, not appointed as Peace Commissioners because of the possibility of a conflict of interest.