Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made in respect of the introduction of a DNA database here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14389/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Justice (Forensic Sampling and Evidence) Bill is on the A list of the Government's Legislation Programme for this session. The Bill will provide for the establishment of a comprehensive DNA database to aid criminal investigations and the identification of missing and deceased persons. The database will not only provide An Garda Síochána with an enhanced intelligence resource, it will also lead to greater efficiency in the use of Garda time and resources.

The timetable for publication has been affected somewhat by the need to consider and take account of the implications of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of S and Marper v the United Kingdom. In that case the Court held that the arrangements in the United Kingdom for the indefinite retention of DNA material and fingerprints taken from suspects who were not subsequently convicted were a disproportionate and unjustified interference with their right to privacy. I am informed by my officials that drafting of the Bill is progressing very well.