DNA database moves a step closer

DNA database moves a step closer

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Long-awaited legislation establishing a DNA database is expected to be passed by the Oireachtas before the summer recess, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said.

Mr Shatter said it was an important day for the Oireachtas Justice Committee and said he hoped to have it through both houses of the Oireachtas before the summer break. The minister described the legislation as ground-breaking and said the database was a very important tool in the fight against crime.

Completing the bills amendments yesterday, he said: This is the most important piece of legislation, I believe, that will be enacted in the lifetime of this Dil with regard to the provision of assistance to members of An Garda Sochna in the investigation of crime and bringing individuals to the courts who have committed a crime.

The database essentially has the ability to link crime scenes and identify suspects in unsolved crimes. The system will help garda identify prolific offenders, such as burglars, and assist in the investigation of serious crime, including homicide and sexual offences. The bill outlines two separate sections of the DNA database:

-An investigation division will hold profiles generated from samples taken from crime scenes, suspects and convicted offenders.

-An identification division which will comprise profiles of missing people and unknown persons.

The bill also puts a statutory framework for the taking and analysing of voluntary mass screenings.

In addition there will be an elimination index containing profiles of garda, forensic science staff and other personnel, so that samples matching them can be eliminated.

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DNA database moves a step closer