Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 602: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made in respect of introducing a deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, database; his views on the current practice within An Garda Síochána in relation to DNA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40889/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill will provide for the establishment and operation of a DNA Database, a commitment in the Programme for Government. Work on the preparation of the legislation is well advanced and I expect to be in a position to publish the Bill shortly. In addition, I have ensured that the Forensic Science Laboratory, which is to host and manage the database, has the funding in place to progress the technical work required for the database including the procurement of the relevant software.

At present, An Garda Síochána works closely with personnel at the Forensic Science Laboratory in order to avail of its capacity to make DNA identification by comparing the DNA of a person suspected of involvement in a particular offence with samples of biological material lifted from the crime scene concerned or from items recovered from the scene. There is no doubt but that this work has been invaluable to the successful detection and prosecution of many serious offences over recent decades and will continue to be so. The establishment of a database will supplement this work by providing An Garda Síochána with a source of high quality intelligence that will facilitate better targeted criminal investigations and lead to greater efficiencies in the use of Garda time and resources.