Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2018
10. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is expected work will commence on the construction of the Forensic Science Ireland headquarters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16489/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister will be aware of the forensic science laboratory in the Phoenix Park, which is in his constituency. He will also be aware that this is the laboratory that carries out very important work on behalf of the State to analyse and process forensically evidence to be used in criminal prosecutions. The Government gave a commitment in October 2016 that a new forensic science laboratory would be built and that construction would commence in 2017. That did not happen. When will work on the construction of the new forensic science laboratory start?
The enabling works contract for the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory reached substantial completion on 4 May 2018. The works included site services, site preparation, security, flood control and building foundations. The main contract will follow.
Due to recent changes in international forensic laboratory standards, it was necessary to add further information to the main contract tender documents.
Forensic Science Ireland and the Office of Public Works, OPW, are currently examining the issues involved, which relate primarily to laboratory interior finishes and mechanical and electrical specification requirements. That examination has been completed and the OPW is now reviewing and amending the tender documents. The OPW intends to re-issue a complete set of documents to the contractors by the end of quarter 2, 2018. Following tender submissions it is expected that the main contract construction will commence in quarter 4, 2018.
I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Moran. I do not know whether he has had an opportunity to visit the forensic science laboratory. If not, I recommend he does so. I had the benefit of visiting it in 2016. The laboratory plays a vital role in analysing and processing all the evidence that is to be used in criminal prosecutions. Unfortunately, however, the facilities are completely inappropriate. The laboratory is based in an old office block at the back of Garda Headquarters. The staff have to work in extremely cramped conditions and it is a completely inappropriate place for evidence to be forensically examined. It is not just me who is stating that. Dr. Sheila Willis, the director of Forensic Science Ireland, stated that the current facility is unsuitable for modern science practices and that it is vital that the construction of a new laboratory starts as soon as possible. I am conscious of what the Minister of State has said, but it raises more concerns. From what he said, it appears that the main contract has not yet been signed and that we are in the process of reviewing tender documents. The question I asked was specific. When will construction work commence? I would appreciate an answer to that question.
As I said, we are hoping that construction will start later in 2018 but I advise the Deputy that the tender document is complex. The revised tender documentation pack is composed of 1,000 drawings including 30 supporting report documents. Our Department will be working closely with all the people involved to ensure that we deliver on this project in the later part of 2018.
I am aware that it is a complex construction process. We have all been aware of that. I am also aware that recent changes in international forensic laboratory standards have meant it was necessary to add further information to the main contract. Nonetheless, I regret to say there has been considerable delay in the commencement of this process. A legitimate explanation does not appear to have been provided as to the reason that is so. If we are taking criminal justice seriously in this country it is essential that we have up-to-date, advanced, modern capabilities to examine evidence. Every criminal prosecution that relies on forensic evidence must have that evidence analysed in a laboratory. We know the laboratory is due to be located in Backweston, in Celbridge. That was announced a number of years ago but I am disappointed that we do not have a definite indication as to when it will start and when the main works will commence.
I can assure the Deputy that I am giving the matter my full attention in terms of my Department. It has been delayed, but I can assure him that we will proceed and make sure that we deliver on time. I will keep the Deputy updated in that regard.
