DNA profiling in criminal matters commenced in the Forensic Science Laboratory in January 1994. The laboratory has been provided with the necessary specialised equipment at a cost of approximately £180,000 and additional equipment at a cost of approximately £115,000 will be purchased this year to enable it have a faster method of DNA profiling. The annual cost of bio chemical material for use in the process is approximately £20,000.
Two molecular biologists were recruited and were trained in this country and in the United Kingdom in the specific techniques in DNA profiling. The cost of these scientists is included in the salaries subhead for the laboratory.
In 1995, a total of 43 DNA cases were undertaken by the laboratory in which approximately 430 samples were analysed. Prior to January 1994, it was necessary to forward samples to a commercial company in the UK for testing. Occasionally samples are sent to the British Forensic Science Service in a small number of cases when they cannot be handled by the laboratory because of the volume of samples in any one case or for technical reasons.
Under the terms of the Forensic Evidence Act, 1990, if suspects are to be charged, they must be within a period of six months from the date on which they give a sample or in some exceptional cases an extension of time can be applied for to the court. I am satisfied that the laboratory supplies the necessary statements of evidence to the Garda authorities within the same time limits specified in the Act.
