Vol. 558 No. 2
78 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of items of evidence awaiting examination at the forensic science 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 serious shortage of staff at the laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23717/02]
The number of cases on hand at the forensic science laboratory on 21 November 2002 was 576 cases for biology analysis – 3,003 items, 885 cases for chemistry analysis – 4,153 items, and 10,545 cases for drug analysis – 12,739 items.
On the number of prosecutions awaiting examination of items of evidence at the laboratory, I am advised that the gardaí do not maintain a record of such cases in the format requested by the Deputy and that the information could only be compiled by the commitment of a significant amount of Garda time and resources which would not be justified. However, the forensic science laboratory operates a system whereby cases are prioritised on request from the Garda Síochána and, in this context, no prosecutions have been lost.
Additional posts have been sanctioned at scientific, technical and administrative level in the laboratory. Arrangements have been made with the Civil Service Commission for the filling of these posts as a matter of urgency.
