Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether Garda forensics in this country is on par with state of the art technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26059/00]
Written Answers. - Garda Forensics.
I can inform the Deputy that the forensic science laboratory provides a forensic testing service of the highest quality to An Garda Síochána.
The laboratory has maintained contact, with regard to technological developments, with all of the countries of the European Union through meetings and visit facilities. The police co-operation and working group, which meets regularly in Brussels, is a potent force for development in the area.
With regard to specific cases, the analysis of controlled substances, as seized by the Gardaí and customs service, is done to the highest standards available in Europe using a range of tests up to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.
Other examples of high level techniques are the detection of firearm residue particles using automated scanning electron microscopy. The laboratory also uses computer equipment to read tachograph charts from commercial vehicles in cases involving accident investigation, carriage of stolen goods etc.
In addition the laboratory carries out DNA profiling of body fluid from injured parties and from crime scenes. Other examples of the use of modern techniques is in the area of footprints and fingerprints which are now stored and compared in the laboratory through the use of computer equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether genetic fingerprinting is readily available to the Garda at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26060/00]
I can inform the House that the forensic science laboratory provides a DNA profiling service to the Garda in the area of criminal offences involving the deposition or exchange of body fluids.
I can also inform the House that the genetic testing of bones, such as involved in the identifi cation of skeletons, is not carried out by the forensic science laboratory, because of the very infrequent demand for this technique involving the analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Where there is a need for such examination the service is provided by sending the samples to an outside laboratory for analysis.