DNA Database

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (550)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

550. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the progress made towards rolling out a national DNA database for the Gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36313/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I intend to seek Government approval of the text of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill next week with a view to its publication shortly thereafter. The Bill will provide for the establishment of a DNA database to assist the Garda Síochána in the investigation of crime and finding and identifying missing and unknown persons.

Pending enactment, the Forensic Science Laboratory of my Department which will have responsibility for establishing and managing the database has already undertaken a substantial amount of preparatory work to ensure that there is no undue delay in the database becoming operational.