A new DNA database, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be operational from November 20 and permits Gardaí to take bodily samples, such as hair or salvia, from crime suspects.
Minister for Justice France Fitzgerald, who signed the commencement order for the legislation enabling the DNA database, considers this a „historic moment for criminal investigation in Ireland“.
„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 offense against the person.“
The database will also be compiled with unidentified DNA samples taken from crime scenes whether before or after the legislation came into force. Those samples can then be matched with DNA profiles from individuals under investigation, convicted criminals and former offenders, in the hopes of solving the crimes.
The database will be based at Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) in Phoenix Park, to which € 1.3 million was allocated to meet staffing needs and manage the database.
Sources: The Irish Times, Herald