Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The forensic science laboratory is currently in pretty difficult, cramped circumstances, although it has moved just this week to another location given that it has taken on extra staff in recent years. There is €4.1 million in my Estimate for 2010 in regard to the database, which is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The responsibility for building the forensic science laboratory is the OPW's. I have checked with the OPW and it is a major priority on its list. I understand the OPW has the funding and it is intended to launch the tendering process in early 2010 with a view to completing that over six or seven months and hopefully beginning construction. I am not aware of how long the construction period will be but, obviously, the issue of the database can proceed provided we pass the legislation. I hope, I can get the co-operation of the House in that respect.

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