Vol. 488 No. 7
360 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the forensic science chemistry and drugs section of his Department is to receive additional resources in view of the staff levels recently over a weekend which would have meant no forensic scientists were on duty in the event of a murder or shooting in this State; and the way in which he can reconcile this with his stated policy of zero tolerance for crime. [7271/98]
I am informed by the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory that, on occasion, the Garda Síochána may request the attendance of a member of staff at the scene of a crime, or at the laboratory itself, outside the normal working hours. On such occasions, the director arranges for the attendance of a staff member as appropriate. I am also informed by the Director that he is not aware of any particular difficulties in this regard as implied by the Deputy.
I can assure the Deputy that the staffing requirements of the laboratory are kept under regular review.
