Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

273. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date when Forensic Service Ireland will provide its new facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1855/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The need for a new purpose-built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is longstanding. Well-advanced plans for the construction of a new facility in Backweston, Co. Kildare were previously cancelled due to the economic downturn. I was happy, therefore, to secure the funding necessary to proceed with construction of the new laboratory in the recently announced capital expenditure programme, with these funds set to become available in 2019. In light of the importance of this project, I intend to keep the projected start date under review and if an opportunity arises to bring forward the start date of construction at Backweston, it will be pursued.