Establishment of Ireland’s first DNA database a very positive development - Brendan Kenneally TD

The establishment of Ireland’s first ever national DNA database, as proposed in the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill published today, is a very positive development. It will provide a powerful tool to Gardai in their fight against crime by giving them access to unprecedented levels of intelligence. It will also lead to greater efficiency in the use of Garda time and resources. Under the new system, the requirement to give a DNA sample will extend to everyone serving a sentence for a serious offence. It will also apply to people in prison, anyone on temporary release or on a suspended sentences, anyone suspected of a serious crime and registered sex offenders. It is hoped that this database will act as a deterrent to criminals and will aid in solving previously unsolved crimes. The Bill will also enable the taking of samples that can be used as evidence in a criminal trial.Generally, samples will be kept for up to 3 years. However, DNA profiles of people convicted of serious crimes will be held indefinitely while the profiles of suspects will kept for up to 10 years.Another major function of the database is that it will help in identifying missing or unknown persons. Every year countless numbers of people go missing in Ireland. Anything that helps shed some light on these disappearances and helps the families of missing people should be welcomed.Naturally, due consideration has been given to any privacy issues that may arise. There is, for example, a procedure to allow the donor of a sample to apply for the earlier destruction of their DNA sample. Moreover, an oversight committee, headed up by a senior judge, will oversee the operation of the database to ensure that it is used for the purposes for which it is intended.Budget 2010 has provided €4.1 million for the development of the DNA database. It will operated by the Forensic Science Laboratory.

Read the original Press Release here. 

Brendan Kenneally is TD for Waterford and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice.

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