Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a very fair question. Once this legislation is passed and commenced, a code of practice will be prepared under this section. It then has to be submitted to me, as the Minister, for approval. We will make sure that it is consistent with other codes of practice. I expect there will be consultation on that, as well, to make sure that consistency is there. The main source of guidance will be the FSI because it is effectively the lead body in how DNA testing needs to be done and so on.

The legislation is quite clear regarding what is acceptable and for what offences. It makes a clear distinction between taking DNA samples and taking intimate DNA samples.

Whereas one may be required, the other is, essentially, voluntary. There is, therefore, a great deal in the legislation already. It is a long Bill for a relatively straightforward concept and there is a lot in it. Much of that is about achieving consistency with what is already taking place, primarily within An Garda Síochána. To give the Deputy some reassurance, I have to sign off on the code of practice before it takes effect, which will give an opportunity for some consultation with the representative bodies.