A notary public is a public officer who serves the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with foreign or international business. 

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What do notaries public do?

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Notaries certify the execution in their presence of a deed, a contract or other writing.

They can also verify some act or thing done in their presence. Among the things they do are:

• Authenticating documents

• Witnessing and proving signatures to documents

• Administering oaths

• Taking affidavits (other than for the courts in Ireland)

• Drawing up Powers of Attorney and other legal documents customarily prepared by notaries public

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When am I likely to need the services of a notary public?

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You are most likely to require a notary where you have to send papers or documents to a foreign jurisdiction.

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You may require the services of a notary in relation to:

• Foreign adoption papers

• Affidavits for use in foreign courts

• Copies of State documents for use abroad

• International contracts

• Powers of Attorney

 

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/civil_law/notaries_public.html

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