Ireland’s DNA database to become operational on Friday

Ireland’s national DNA database will become operational on Friday in a bid to tackle crime and assist An Garda Síochána in investigations.

An order setting the date of 20 November 2015 for the commencement of most of the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act has now been signed.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has announced that the database will be based out of Forensic Science Ireland in the Phoenix Park, with a “long-overdue” purpose-built laboratory due to begin construction in 2019.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “This is an historic step in criminal investigation in Ireland. The new DNA database is a hugely significant development in assisting the Garda Síochána in the investigation of crime. It is vital that our police force has all it requires, including the most modern technology, to protect the State and its citizens from crime.

“This high quality intelligence tool will be invaluable in the fight against ‘volume crime’, such as burglary and theft, and also in the investigation of serious offences against the person. The database will also assist in finding and identifying missing or unknown persons. This capability should serve to provide significant assistance, reassurance and solace for the families of people in these situations.”

Ms Fitzgerald also paid tribute to the “very important, largely unseen work” of Forensic Science Ireland, headed up by Dr Sheila Willis, and Garda Commissioner Noírín O’Sullivan in preparing for the new database.

The enabling legislation provides for the establishment, population, management and oversight of the DNA database and reforms the law governing the taking of samples and the creation of DNA profiles for use in evidence in criminal trials.

In addition to its value as an investigatory tool, Ms Fitzgerald said the database will contribute towards more effective, targeted policing as Garda resources can be focused on cases involving clear corroborative evidence, with innocent suspects being eliminated from consideration, allowing for more efficient use of policing time.