Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 September 2012
87. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to merge the Forensic Science Laboratory of the Department of Justice and Equality into the State Laboratory and its transfer to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39387/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there will be significant cost savings as a result of the proposed merger of the Forensic Science Laboratory of the Department of Justice and Equality into the State Laboratory and its transfer to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39389/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra89. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on whether the provision of a high quality, independent and seamless scientific service in the administration of justice will be lost by separating the Forensic Science Laboratory from the rest of the criminal justice system and merging it into another organisation with disparate objectives, many of them unrelated to the administration of justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39390/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra90. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the transfer of the Forensic Science Laboratory from the Department of Justice and Equality to his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this will hinder the work done by the Forensic Science Laboratory for the judicial system through the weakening of links between these agencies and the physical distance from the Criminal Courts, the Garda Technical Bureau and the Director of Public Prosecutions; if there is a cost factor in the transfer of the Forensic Science laboratory to another Department; if its independence could be jeopardised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39383/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 90, inclusive, together.
The proposed measure is one of 46 critical reviews of State bodies which are being undertaken as part of the Public Service Reform plan, published in November last year. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently considering the reviews received by Departments. Following this consideration, a Memorandum will be brought to Government highlighting the results of the review process and requesting a decision on how best to proceed with implementation of the rationalisation programme.
In relation to critical review No.19 of the Agency Rationalisation Programme, i.e. the review of the merger of the Forensic Science Laboratory into the State Laboratory, the critical review is in the process of being completed. The recommendation of the review will be submitted in due course to the Government for consideration as part of the Memorandum to Government referred to above.
