Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 21 February 2012, the number of criminal prosecutions that have been unsuccessful due to a delay in processing DNA samples obtained from crime scenes; if priority will be given to the processing of DNA samples obtained following a burglary at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare that occurred on 14 November 2011 in which a substantial amount of money was appropriated, the victims of which are still awaiting the results almost six months later; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13464/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Forensic Science Laboratory works closely with An Garda Síochána in order to prioritise those cases where it can add value to an investigation. An arrangement is also in place with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions whereby the Laboratory is alerted in the event of a case awaiting a DNA result.

The Deputy will appreciate that DNA evidence only forms one component of the evidence in criminal cases and, accordingly, the compilation of statistics of the type referred to by him would not arise. I am further informed by the Forensic Science Laboratory that work is proceeding on the case referred to and a report is expected shortly.