Expert Review of Forensic Science Laboratory Leads to Additional Resources for Fight against Crime
20 additional posts for Laboratory bringing overall staffing levels to over 100 - an increase of more than 40% in 12 months
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., has today announced an increase in resources for the Forensic Science Laboratory, on foot of the findings of an expert analysis of the resource needs of the organisation.
Professor Ingvar Kopp, former head of the Swedish Forensic Science Laboratory and a founding member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes, was commissioned in December 2006 to carry out a review of the Irish Laboratory’s operations.
Minister Lenihan said: "Professor Kopp’s report provides helpful advice on several fronts and I am very grateful for his input. In particular, we have confirmation that productivity at our Forensic Science Laboratory compares well by international standards. The assignment of these additional resources to meet the needs of the Gardaí is therefore justified from the perspective of value for money, as well as effective crime investigation.
Professor Kopp’s report examined a range of issues, including arrangements for the efficient management of evidence and liaison with the Gardaí, as well as possible means of promoting awareness of forensic science and undertaking joint research with other scientific organisations. These recommendations are being studied further and will be taken forward as appropriate. He also carried out a preliminary examination of the resources which would be required in order to operate a DNA database in Ireland.
Minister Lenihan concluded: "The additional posts I have sanctioned will greatly enhance the capacity of the Laboratory to analyse crime scene evidence and will also make it possible to carry out advance planning for the implementation of the DNA Database. Legislation to make this possible is to be published in the coming months and will provide An Garda Síochána with an invaluable intelligence tool in combating crime. I am committed to ensuring that effective resources are in place to achieve this."
The General Scheme of the legislation in question, the Criminal Justice (Forensic Sampling and Evidence) Bill was published on the Department's website last year and detailed drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is underway. The Bill will provide that samples for DNA analysis will be taken routinely from persons who have been arrested in connection with serious offences. These samples will normally be either mouth swabs or plucked hairs. Profiles developed from the samples will be entered on the database. The Bill will also provide for samples to be given voluntarily, for instance for elimination purposes. Relatives will be able to donate samples for purposes of identification of missing or injured persons. Samples and profiles may be retained indefinitely, but those who have given a sample voluntarily, including those who give samples for identification purposes, may stipulate that it should not be retained. The legislation will provide for strict controls on access to and usage of samples and profiles that have been retained. The Minister feels that the retention of samples and profiles will greatly enhance the long-term benefit of the database as an intelligence resource in the investigation of crime
Insofar as the resource needs identified in the Kopp report are concerned, the additional posts announced today are in addition to another 10 approved in December 2006. This brings approved staffing levels to over 100, an increase of more than 40%.
Amongst the sanctioned posts is a new Deputy Director position to oversee all DNA analysis at the Laboratory and recruitment of these staff is already underway. Funding for the Laboratory has also been increased by 16% in the 2008 Estimates.
Professor Kopp’s report is available on the Department’s website – www.justice.ie
10 January 2008