Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to the House.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. She will see that the motion reads that there is "the need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the position regarding the provision of a purpose-built forensic science laboratory on the previously identified site in Kildare following her correspondence to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality in this regard." I have been contacted by someone in Dublin West who works in this laboratory and is very familiar with the state of play.I thank the Minister of State for coming here to discuss the matter. The need for the provision of a purpose-built forensic science laboratory on the previously-identified site in Kildare is well established. In a letter last April to the chairman of the justice committee, Deputy David Stanton, the Minister outlined that the facilities are outdated and in need of modernisation. We know the provision of a modern, fit-for-purpose laboratory has been under consideration for some time. As such, could the Minister outline the current position in respect of the provision of this facility? The estimated cost of the project is €30 million to €40 million over a three-year period, or approximately €12 million per year over three years, and it seems there could be scope to bring this project forward at the earliest practical opportunity. I welcome the Minister of State's comments.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. Forensic Science Ireland is one of the most important bodies for which the Minister is responsible. It celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and the Forensic Science Laboratory has played a major part in some of the most significant criminal trials and investigations in the history of the State. Working closely with the Garda Síochána, Forensic Science Ireland plays a crucial role in the investigation of crime. The vision of Forensic Science Ireland is "science supporting justice" and that sums up very concisely the unique and vital role this body plays in the criminal justice system and in providing evidence to the courts.

The staff of Forensic Science Ireland is mainly composed of civil servants who are highly qualified in various aspects of forensic science, including the analysis of drugs and, of course, DNA analysis. In the recent budget, the pay element of Forensic Science Ireland's budget was increased by €1.3 million, which will allow for the recruitment of extra specialist staff to meet the demands of an increasing, and increasingly diverse, workload, including in relation to the DNA database. Forensic Science Ireland will play a crucial part in the operation of the DNA database. This database, which is a long-overdue tool in our fight against crime, was provided for in the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014. The secondary legislation and practical preparations required to operate the database are almost complete and the Minister intends to launch it very shortly.

The Senator raises an important point about the need for a modern, fit-for-purpose laboratory to replace the current facilities. There is no question that such a facility is required. Plans were first drawn up by the Office of Public Works to develop state-of-the-art facilities for Forensic Science Ireland on a site in Backweston in County Kildare during 2009. Unfortunately, the very difficult economic circumstances suffered by the State in recent years meant it was not possible to proceed with the project. The Minister was very happy, therefore, that in the recently announced capital expenditure programme an amount of money was allocated to this end. I cannot reveal the exact amount for familiar reasons of commercial sensitivity, given that we need to ensure value for money in all public building projects, but I can assure Senator Noone it is sufficient to ensure a completely new state-of-the-art facility is built. While the recently published capital programme does not envisage building beginning until 2019, the Minister wishes to make clear that the projected start date will remain under review, given the importance of this project and the pressing need for these new facilities. The Minister wishes me to advise the Senator that if an opportunity arises to bring forward the start date of construction at Backweston, this opportunity will be pursued.

Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is not fair to press her on it, because she will not be familiar with the ins and outs of the project, but there is not much news in this for me, in that it will be, on the face of it, 2019 before construction actually begins. The money seems to be there in the new capital programme and I welcome that, but really I am none the wiser. I will correspond with the Minister on the matter.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While I am not familiar with the capital programme in respect of justice, I think it works exactly the same way in all Departments. What is essential is that the project has been given the go-ahead. There is always an amount of work to be done in terms of design, ground works, and so on. It is very clear from what the Minister is saying that if there is an opportunity for an earlier start date, that will be pursued. The Senator should keep that in mind, because there are certain projects which might be announced, but which would not be capable of going ahead. If this project were in a position to move more quickly than others, there is always the possibility of things moving faster. It happens in respect of schools and primary care centres, for instance. It is about being ready to take the opportunity. This is something that needs to be done and something that is worth doing.