Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2016
42. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average turnaround times for cases submitted to the forensic science laboratory; the funding allocated to it in each of the years 2006 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; the personnel numbers attached to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16386/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraForensic Science Ireland (FSI) provides the Garda Síochána with up to date services in forensic science, including in the area of drugs and DNA analysis. I recognise the very significant part Forensic Science Ireland plays within the criminal justice system, including its vital role in providing evidence for the courts. There is no doubt that this work has been invaluable to the successful detection and prosecution of many serious offences over recent decades and will continue to be so. Moreover, the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 provided for the establishment and operation of the DNA Database, which is hosted by FSI. The database provides An Garda Síochána with a source of high quality intelligence that facilitates better targeted criminal investigations.
My Department and FSI work in partnership to ensure that the service is fit for purpose. The following table sets out the position regarding personnel numbers and funding for FSI for the period 2006-2016.
|
Year |
Non-Pay (000) |
Pay(000) |
Staff numbers |
|
2016 |
2,865 |
6,976 |
96 (May ’16) |
|
2015 |
2,865 |
5,900 |
90 |
|
2014 |
2.865 |
5,672 |
92 |
|
2013 |
2,865 |
5,831 |
97 |
|
2012 |
3,216 |
5,866 |
96 |
|
2011 |
3,303 |
5,716 |
96 |
|
2010 |
3,303 |
5,416 |
97 |
|
2009 |
3,303 |
5,560 |
98 |
|
2008 |
1,603 |
5,410 |
100 |
|
2007 |
1,570 |
4,464 |
72 |
|
2006 |
1,535 |
3,575 |
67 |
The Deputy may wish to note my Department has run a number of competitions, both internally and externally in conjunction the Public Appointments Service over the past 12 months in order to ensure that Forensic Science Ireland has the necessary human resources to carry out its functions. Furthermore my Department is currently finalising plans to run another open competition to recruit additional forensic scientists. This competition will be advertised in the coming weeks.
In terms of processing of cases, FSI operates a prioritisation system based on the case type combined with its urgency and the potential of forensic analysis to assist the case. Urgent cases are analysed immediately and An Garda Síochána get a report within hours or days depending on the tests involved.
