Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

The Minister's reply appears to be at odds with his views on the protective role of the State in other spheres.

The Law Reform Commission stated specifically that the database should be limited in its scope and that there should be clear and strict time limits on the retention of the data. Does the Minister agree there is real concern that if these samples are held for an indefinite period, and if they apply to any crime within the State, there is a danger they would be used for incorrect purposes?

This may occur if a Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform put out information that has not been through the law courts. I can think of a recent example of this. In essence, does the Minister not believe there should be some time limits on the retention of DNA samples? Does he believe that clear guidelines should be put down with regard to what type of crime would result in DNA samples being taken and retained? Does the Law Reform Commission recommend that safeguards similar to those recommended by the Human Rights Commission be put in place in the form of guidelines or a code of practice for the use of DNA samples?

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