22 Apr 2015, 16:51
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has this afternoon welcomed indications from the Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald to reactivate the longstanding project to upgrade the facilities of Forensic Science Ireland.
22 April 2015
Following a visit to the Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) facility in the Phoenix Park earlier this year, the Committee wrote to the Minister highlighting the need for updating the facilities and requesting that plans for this be put in place. Plans in 2009 to develop purpose built facilities for FSI in Co Kildare were shelved due to the economic recession.
Committee Chairman David Stanton says: “This week the Committee received correspondence from Minister Frances Fitzgerald formally indicating her reactivation of plans upgrade FSI facilities. The Committee Members who visited FSI were afforded a fascinating insight into the invaluable work being undertaken there by Dr Willis and her highly skilled team. While we were most impressed by the manner in which FSI works to the highest international standards, the delegation was concerned that the facilities were in serious need of modernisation. Following a letter to Minister Fitzgerald, the Committee now warmly welcomes the renewed examination of this project for this vital pillar of our justice system.”
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Niall Collins (FF)
Alan Farrell (FG)
Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]
Seán Kenny (LAB)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF)
Gabrielle McFadden (FG)
Finian McGrath (IND)
Fergus O’Dowd (FG)
David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik (LAB)
Martin Conway (FG)
Tony Mulcahy (FG
Rónán Mullen (IND)
Denis O’Donovan (FF)
Katherine Zappone (IND)