Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 553: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it currently takes up to six months to process DNA evidence obtained from crime scenes; his plans, if any, to expedite this process in the interest of justice for victims of crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9943/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that DNA analysis constitutes part of the range of services provided by the Forensic Science Laboratory. All cases submitted are subjected to a prioritisation process. Priority is assigned based on a combination of factors that include the nature of the crime, the urgency associated with its investigation and the potential for forensic examination to progress an investigation.

Insofar as processing time is concerned, the laboratory reported more than 1,100 DNA cases in 2011, processing over 7,000 samples. I am informed that 30% of these cases were reported within 6 weeks of receipt and over 50% were reported with 12 weeks of receipt. Arrangements are in place within the prioritisation process to allow for certain cases to be fast-tracked where a report is needed within 24 or 48 hours.

I can also inform the Deputy that the laboratory has purchased semi-automated instrumentation to increase the work flow and in anticipation of a National DNA Database. The laboratory is also in the process of installing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which is designed to streamline the management of cases, interface with the forthcoming DNA database and provide general efficiencies.