asked the Minister for Justice what considerations are taken into account in the selection and appointment of peace commissioners, what qualifications are considered essential, and how the number of appointments is determined.

The Minister for Justice is empowered by the Courts of Justice Act, 1924, to appoint as peace commissioners in each county so many fit and proper persons as he shall think expedient. Before making appointments the Minister satisfies himself that they are necessary to meet the requirements of the public and the Garda Síochána and that the persons proposed to be appointed are of good character and intelligence.