Irish Church Act, 1869

Powers of Commissioners.

7. Subject to such appeal as is herein-after mentioned, the Commissioners shall have full power to decide all questions whatsoever, whether of law or fact, which it may be necessary to decide for the purposes of this Act, and they shall not be subject to be restrained in the due execution of their powers under this Act by the order of any court, nor shall any proceedings before them be removed by certiorari into any court.

The Commissioners with respect to the following matters, that is to say,

(1.) Enforcing the attendance of witnesses, after a tender of their expenses, the examination of witnesses orally or by affidavit, and the production of deeds, books, papers, and documents;

(2.) Issuing any commission for the examination of witnesses;

(3.) Punishing persons refusing to give evidence or to produce documents, or guilty of contempt in the presence of the Commissioners or any of them sitting in open court;

(4.) Making or enforcing any order whatever made by them for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of this Act,

shall have all such powers, rights, and privileges as are vested in the High Court of Chancery in Ireland for such or the like purposes, and all proceedings before the Commissioners shall in law be deemed to be judicial proceedings before a court of record.

The Commissioners may review and rescind or vary any order or decision previously made by them or any of them; but save as aforesaid, and as herein-after provided, every order or decision of the said Commissioners shall be final.