Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
168. Deputy John Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of samples from persons that are on the national DNA database to date since its establishment; the number of convictions secured based on the use of evidence from the database; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25945/16]
View answerForensic Science Ireland (FSI) is responsible for the operation of the national DNA Database System. The Database was launched in November 2015 and constitutes a major intelligence resource for the investigation of crime. The database is being populated with samples taken from persons suspected/convicted of serious crime and from crime scenes. I have been informed by FSI that to date the number of person samples added since the establishment of the database is 6,083.
The outcome of 'identifications' or 'hits' on the DNA database, including any consequent convictions, will form part of a review of the system which will be conducted by An Garda Síochána on an annual basis. As the first year of operating this system has not been completed, such review has not yet taken place.
