Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is confident that the State Forensic Science Laboratory is adequately resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21154/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of the report of Professor Kopp in respect of the resource needs of the Forensic Science Laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21155/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 168 together.

I can inform the Deputy that more than 30 additional posts have been sanctioned for the Forensic Science Laboratory since December 2006, representing an increase of approximately 40% in approved staffing. This substantial extension of the Laboratory's capacity takes into account the findings of Professor Kopp as to current demands on the organisation, as well as the need to plan for the implementation of the proposed DNA database.