Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

He stated in quite stark terms the chronic underfunding of the process. He also said that he had evidence that some senior members of the Garda Síochána did not even bother sending samples for assessment or analysis because they knew it would not be done because of the shambolic current system. Notwithstanding the timescale, what is the position regarding the forensic science laboratory? Has the Minister the money for it? Will it proceed? A certain amount of money was set aside in 2009 which I understand has yet to be expended. Has the Minister ring-fenced that money for the laboratory for next year in tandem with the legislation?

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