Why do you want to become a peace commissioner? I cannot see the advantage myself.
> There are no fees for any PC services
yes, that is true insofar as there is no statutory instrument specifiying fees
>in fact one is prohibited from charging.
well, that is a delicate matter, in the real-world many PCs charge (usually about EUR3) per document, while others charge nothing, I can find no legislation or even house debate that actually prohibits PCs from charging
the only reference I can find it where a person is both a Peace Commissioner and Commissioner for Oaths, he must not charge for his signature on documents that a PC is empowered to sign
you will be asked to witness signatures constantly, day and night.
Unfortunately the local Gardai do have a list and that could be a problem
>" Appointments are purely honorary and holders of the Office are not entitled to charge, or receive for their own benefit, any fee for performing the duties attaching to their office."
An excellent quote, and that settles the fees matter. Although its a pity such a concrete passage resides in the private papers exchanged between the Minister and the Peace Commissioner, beyond the reach of the "customer" who may be asked to pay.
I have no difficulty in showing that passage to anyone requesting a signature. If anyone is so charging they are in breach of their warrant of appointment and the matter should be taken up, by the complainant with the appointing office.
However, my question relates to the more mundane duty that a Peace Commissioner performs, viz the taking of statutory declarations. Can he do that anywhere in the Republic?
That is correct, but interestingly, in 8 years as a PC I have never had a Garda at the door looking for a signature at what I would consider an unreasonable hour.
Just reading this I had to get a document signed for planning we went to the PC he did it but he charged €25... is he really not allowed to charge?
... The official notes from the Minister for Justice ( pursuant to the COurts of Justice Act 1924 ) on my appointment specifically says, and I quote
" Appointments are purely honorary and holders of the Office are not entitled to charge, or receive for their own benefit, any fee for performing the duties attaching to their office."