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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 1

Written Answers. - DNA Testing.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a facility here for DNA testing; if not, his plans to provide such tests here; if progress has been made in relation to when such a service will be provided; if DNA is required for various investigations and to help identify bodies or remains found; and the person who decides whether this should be done in order that the DNA sample can be sent abroad for analysis. [24433/03]

I inform the Deputy that the forensic science laboratory of my Department is equipped with the necessary modern technology and equipment to carry out DNA testing and that DNA testing is used on a regular basis in criminal cases and, in some instances, in the identification of missing persons. The forensic science laboratory carries out all standard tests, with the exception of mitochondrial analysis, that is, analysis of bones. Where the technology for certain, infrequently required, DNA tests is not available in this jurisdiction, a decision is made, following consultation by the gardaí and laboratory staff, to send samples abroad. The infrequent need for these service means that the purchase of the resources required to carry out the tests in the forensic science laboratory could not be justified.

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