Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the upgrading of the Garda Forensic Science Laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Forensic Science Laboratory which, although located within the Garda Headquarters complex at Phoenix Park, is a separate civilian led service coming under the aegis of my Department.

My Department works closely with the Laboratory in assessing and responding to its needs. To this end an additional 10 staff were sanctioned for the Laboratory in December of last year and, on foot of an analysis carried out by an independent international expert, it is expected that staffing will be increased further in the near future. It is also proposed to provide a new building for the Laboratory and this project will proceed as a matter of urgency.