David Norris (Independent)

That would be splendid. I understand the point made about the use of videos by the criminal classes for entertainment purposes or for frightening or harassing witnesses. I know they display them in pubs but that seems to be much more likely to occur following an interview situation, where they give smart alec answers. I cannot imagine there would be much mileage in photographing the taking of intimate samples.

I appreciate the very practical points Senator Henry made to the effect that people are very often drunk and have to be manhandled. If that was reviewed by a judge, however, the judge would know perfectly well what was happening and that it was justified behaviour on the part of gardaí. It would, however, protect against the outrageous situation that occurred in Donegal, where people had their hair pulled out by the roots. I do not say such practices are endemic in the Garda Síochána but it is possible that a garda, given the right under law to take a sample of hair without the co-operation of the accused, who might be difficult or drunk, could pull out a lump of hair and a number of follicles.