Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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319. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 150 of 21 January 2015 the extent to which it is permissible for members of the public to represent themselves as being a member of An Garda Síochána as has appeared to have happened at a recent eviction (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this is regarded as a serious offence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3924/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Gardaí attended the address referred to following telephone requests from both the tenant and landlord. On arrival at the location Gardaí found that the landlord was present but the tenant was not. Garda members remained at the scene to ensure there was no breach of the peace. I am further informed that Gardaí were present as observers only and took no active part in any of the landlord's actions.

In relation to concerns in relation to persons attempting to represent themselves as being members of An Garda Síochána, any information in this regard should be provided to the Gardaí for investigation. A number of relevant offences in relation to such actions are contained in section 60 and section 61 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.