Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has been appraised of a situation (details supplied) and if she will refer the matter to the Garda Ombudsman. [38940/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including all Garda operations. As Minister, I have no role in Garda operational decisions. Similarly, the Courts are independent in the exercise of their functions, subject only to the Constitution and the law.

As the Deputy will also be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the body designated in law to receive and, where it deems appropriate, investigate concerns from members of the public regarding the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána. Any member of the public with a complaint about the conduct of members of An Garda Síochána has the option to contact GSOC about their complaint. The independence of the Ombudsman Commission is key to its role and is enshrined in the law. As Minister for Justice, I have no role nor can I comment on any concerns that are submitted to GSOC.

Insofar as it is suggested that a person may have purported to be a member of An Garda Síochána

who was not a member, it is an offence under section 60 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 to impersonate a member of An Garda Síochána. Any concerns about such activity should be reported to An Garda Síochána for investigation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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311. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects the refurbishment improvements works to a Garda station (details supplied) to be completed; when the station will commence operating as a community policing centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39035/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including decisions relating the Garda estate. In addition, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

However to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have requested the information from An Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.

The refurbishment works at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station are ongoing, having recommenced in early May 2021 following the reopening of the construction industry and easing of public health restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OPW has advised that the expected completion date of the construction programme at Fitzgibbon Street is 6 August 2021, following which the building will be handed back to An Garda Síochána for fit out and ICT installation. It is anticipated that the building will be completed for operation as a Garda station during the fourth quarter of 2021.