Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Obviously, I cannot guard against human error. There will always be circumstances where human error will occur. However, gardaí have a duty to preserve, to the best of their ability, exhibits for court evidence. The Garda is changing the system to bring these divisional stores into operation. There are stores in Athlone, Waterford, Templemore, Enniscorthy and Store Street and two more are due to come into operation. Currently there is a store in each district designated for the collection and retention of evidence.

I am also considering changing the law, as was indicated in the court case. There are issues with regard to people being deprived of their property for considerable periods of time while a case is being considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions and eventually brought to court. We are trying to provide for a situation whereby, subject to agreement between the defence and the prosecution, a piece of evidence could be examined and returned to the owner.

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