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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 2

Written Answers. - Forensic Science Laboratory.

Liz McManus

Question:

25 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of items of evidence awaiting examination at the forensic laboratory at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of prosecutions awaiting examination of items of evidence at the laboratory; the steps being taken to address the shortage of staff which has led to the serving of strike notice by staff employed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6070/02]

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

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