Vol. 428 No. 5
13 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the desirability of having DNA testing available in this country in view of the considerable expense and delays involved in having such testing done abroad.
The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act, 1990, which came into operation on 5 June 1992 enables the Garda Síochána, subject to certain conditions, to obtain bodily samples from persons suspected of certain types of serious offences for the purpose of forensic testing, including DNA profiling. I have given my full backing to the introduction of DNA profiling in this country and plans are well advanced in the forensic science laboratory for the early introduction of this technique.
The laboratory has been provided with the necessary specialised equipment at a cost of over £100,000. In addition, two molecular biologists have been recruited and trained in the specific techniques of DNA profiling for criminal work as well as having been trained as forensic scientists. Extra accommodation has been provided and converted for use by the laboratory. The Deputy will appreciate that DNA profiling is an extremely involved and complex procedure and a painstaking system of preparatory work must be completed before the technique is put into operation. I am informed that it is hoped that this work wil be finalised and the technique introduced into the forensic science laboratory in the very near future.
I thank the Minister for her very helpful reply and for indications that progress is going apace. Does the Minister know that at present when a DNA test is carried out a sample has to go to Britain under the constant supervision of a member of the Garda Síochána, who has to stay in Britain overnight and return with it? This procedure came to my attention in relation to a murder case in my constituency for which such evidence was considered vital. This is surely a very inadequate way to conduct business in view of the shortage of gardaí and, presumably, the increasing need for such evidence. Does the Minister have an expected commencement date for the provision of this service in Ireland?
I hope that the technique will come into operation on 1 July 1993.
