Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval for the publication of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill very shortly. A central element of the Bill will be the establishment of a DNA database system to aid the investigation of criminal offences and to assist in finding or identifying missing and unidentified persons including deceased persons. The database will not only provide the Garda Síochána with an enhanced intelligence resource, it will also lead to greater efficiency in the use of Garda time and resources. While the taking of bodily samples will be, primarily, a matter for the Garda Síochána, the Forensic Science Laboratory of my Department will have statutory responsibility for the establishment and operation of the database.

Although the database cannot be established until such time as the legislation is enacted, preparatory work has already commenced to ensure that there will be no undue delay. In particular, an implementation team, led at deputy director level, has been established in the Forensic Science Laboratory to plan for the introduction of the database. The extensive consultation that has taken place with the Garda Síochána and the Forensic Science Laboratory during the development of the Bill will also assist in ensuring that the database is established as quickly as possible.

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