Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the absence of a DNA databank is hampering the efforts of the Garda in the investigation and detection of serious crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14459/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A national DNA databank would be of great assistance to the Garda Síochána in the detection of crime and I support the introduction of such a database. It is my intention to draw up proposals for the establishment of a DNA database which would, having regard to constitutional requirements and the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights, permit as extensive a databank as possible. As I previously indicated to the House, the Law Reform Commission is examining the issues surrounding the establishment of a DNA databank. The commission has published a consultation paper on the subject and the final report is awaited. I look forward to examining the report and, in due course, bringing forward my proposals in this regard.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 442: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in publishing draft proposals on the establishment of a DNA databank; if progress on all of his other initiatives await the publication of a Law Reform Commission report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14460/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It is my intention to draw up proposals for the establishment of a DNA databank which would, having regard to constitutional requirements and the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights, permit as extensive a databank as possible. As I previously indicated to the House the Law Reform Commission is examining the issues surrounding the establishment of a DNA databank. The commission has published a consultation paper on the subject and the final report is awaited. I look forward to examining the report and, in due course, bringing forward my proposals in this regard.

The Deputy raises the question of whether all my other initiatives await the publication of a Law Reform Commission report. It is not clear to which initatives the Deputy is referring. I can say, however, that in circumstances where the Law Reform Commission is considering a particular subject I think it is, in general, prudent to await the outcome of such considerations before bringing forward proposals.