asked the Minister for Justice if proprietors of licensed premises are debarred from being appointed as Peace Commissioners; and the reasons for this regulation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Peace Commissioners.
23.
The matter is not governed by law or statutory regulation. However, the established practice which I understand goes back many years and possibly to the 1920s is that the persons directly engaged in the licensed trade are not appointed. I assume that the reason for this is that it was not considered appropriate that people seeking the services of a Peace Commissioner could be put in the position of having to go into a public-house to do so. The objection could apply both to drinkers and non-drinkers, though for different reasons.
Would the Minister not think that the law is archaic and that in very many cases publicans can be approached at their residence? It is not necessary for people to go into the publichouses. Would the Minister not consider having this changed?
We might have a look at it in circumstances where a publican could provide the facilities without entry on to his licensed premises.
Could the Minister say if this applies to any other trade?
That is a separate question.
If a turf accountant were a peace commissioner would he have to go into his place of gambling?
Turf accountants are respectable people.
The only other people who are excluded as far as I remember are clergymen and solicitors.