Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
554. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which she remains satisfied that An Garda Síochána has access to the most modern forensics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36252/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy, regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister I play no role in these independent functions. Forensic services are available to An Garda Síochána through the Garda National Technical Bureau (GNTB) and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). GNTB provides national support to Divisional Crime Scene Investigation Units whereas FSI provide a scientific service to the Criminal Justice System by analysing samples submitted from crime scenes and providing expert evidence in criminal trials.
Teams from GNTB comprise experts in photography, ballistics, fingerprints and mapping. Using advanced equipment and techniques in the recovery and analysis of evidence, these highly skilled teams investigate major and complicated crime scenes throughout the State.
On an annual basis an independent and dedicated budget is made available through the Garda Vote for the purchase of forensic and crime scene investigation equipment. This budget serves the needs of both the GNTB and the Divisional Crime Scene Investigation Units. In recent years, this budget has facilitated the purchase of leading edge specialist equipment.
GNTB is the sole bureau within An Garda Síochána to be accredited to both ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 Quality Management Standards and, as such, the Bureau is subject to annual internal and external audits in relation to its management and laboratory standards. Included in such audits is the equipment available to the Bureau and the proficiency of its personnel in the use of such equipment. As such GNTB and its equipment operates to the highest international laboratory and management standards.
In December 2019, the responsibility for the Fingerprints and Documents and Handwriting services transferred from the Garda National Technical Bureau to FSI. This consolidates most laboratory-based forensic work under FSI.
FSI is an associated office of the Department of Justice. FSI works to deliver, to best international standards, comprehensive scientific analysis and independent expert opinion, advice and training to support the Irish Criminal Justice system.
Originally known as the Forensic Science Laboratory, FSI was established in 1975 to provide a scientific service to the Criminal Justice System by analysing samples submitted from crime scenes and providing expert evidence in criminal trials. In June 2014, the scope of FSI was extended under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014. Under the Act of 2014, FSI is named as the custodian of the DNA Database and was renamed from Forensic Science Laboratory to Forensic Science Ireland to recognise this broader remit.
FSI currently has over 200 staff, including seconded Garda members, scientists and analysts trained in forensic testing and reporting techniques, supported by administration professionals.
FSI is currently based in Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park. The need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing and is one of the most critical capital projects in the Justice sector. Overseen by OPW, the construction of a new purpose-built forensic facility at the Backweston Campus in County Kildare commenced in March 2020 and is currently nearing completion.
FSI is a founding member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), as well as the Association of Forensic Service Providers (AFSP). These organisations are focused on developing and sharing best international forensic practices and research within its members. Staff of FSI are active on all the relevant ENFSI and AFSP working groups. This international engagement is important in ensuring that expert evidence presented is grounded in the most recent scientific research and best international practice.
FSI is accredited according to ISO17025: 2017 and holds a Gold ‘Excellence Through People’ certification.
The budget provided by Government to Forensic Science Ireland has increased to unprecedented levels over the last number of years, with an allocation in excess of €30 million for 2023. More specifically, since 2016 FSI’s:
• Pay has increased from around €7 million to over €14 million.
• Non-pay has gone from just under €3 million to over 11 million.
This significant investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting FSI whose work is often instrumental in assessing and confirming evidence to ensure that those who are guilty of crimes are brought to justice.
