asked the Minister for Justice the number of Peace Commissioners appointed in each of the years 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and to date in 1977.

The numbers were 426, 391, 249, 130 and 79 respectively.

Is the Minister aware that the insertion of "PC" after people's names has lead to the false idea that the PC relates to the Minister's initials? Would the Minister care to disabuse people of this idea?

The Deputy need have no worry. Only properly qualified people and deserving people are being appointed to this responsible post.