Seymour Crawford
Question:25 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason he has not authorised the establishment of a DNA database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/00]
Written Answers. - DNA Database.
As the Deputy may be aware, section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act, 1990, provides that certain bodily samples may be taken without the consent of a person in custody for the purpose of forensic testing. These samples include hair other than pubic hair, a nail and any material found under a nail.
The report of the expert group on criminal law, appointed to consider changes in the criminal law which were recommended in the report of the steering group on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána, recommended a number of changes to the law relating to forensic samples. In particular it recommended that, as an aid to DNA testing, saliva be re-classified as a sample which can be taken without consent. These recommendations are being examined by my Department with a view to bringing forward proposals for inclusion in a Criminal Justice Bill.
I am well aware of the benefits of a DNA database and while the proposed Criminal Justice Bill is intended to deal primarily with the recommendations of the expert group, any necessary further measures, practical or legal, with particular regard to the use of DNA and DNA testing, will be considered in consultation with the Forensic Science Laboratory, the Garda and the Attorney General's office.