I can inform the Deputy that the number of cases on hand at the laboratory on 19 February 2002 was 10,152.
In relation to the number of prosecutions awaiting examination of items of evidence at the laboratory, I am advised that the Garda do not maintain a record of such cases in the format requested by the Deputy. Such information could only be compiled using a significant amount of Garda time and resources which, the Deputy will appreciate, could not be justified. The laboratory operates a system whereby cases are prioritised on request from the Garda Síochána and, in this context, no prosecutions have been lost.
Discussions are ongoing between my Department and the union which represents staff in the laboratory. These discussions are being undertaken with a view to resolving the threatened dispute with members of IMPACT who work there and to the implementation of the recommendations about staffing and related matters contained in the consultant's report. I hope that these discussions will lead to an early resolution of the matter