11/09/2013
Minister Publishes Data To Set Up A DNA Database
Justice Minister Alan Shatter has announced the publication of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013.
The key innovation in the Bill is the establishment of a DNA database to assist the Garda Síochána in tackling crime.
The database, when established, will have the capacity to link crimes and to identify suspects in relation to unsolved crimes enabling the Gardaí to better target their investigations and make better use of resources. Making use of such database technology in the forensics field has the added benefit of facilitating the searching, subject to strict conditions, of other national DNA databases.
Minister Shatter said: "When I became Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence in 2011, I made it a priority to bring forward comprehensive legislation to facilitate the optimal use of DNA in the fight against crime and to enhance cooperation within the EU and with other countries. In doing this, I was also determined that the legislation would fully respect human rights. I am satisfied that we have met all of these objectives.
"The intelligence generated will be invaluable to the Gardaí in relation to identifying prolific offenders involved in volume crime such as burglary but also in relation to serious offences against the person, such as homicide and sexual offences. It will contribute to the move towards more effective, targeted and smarter policing and will also facilitate cooperation with other police forces in relation to mobile criminals."
In addition to benefitting criminal investigations, the database will also be of benefit in identifying missing and unknown persons (including unidentified human remains) whether in individual cases or as the result of a natural or man-made disaster.
(CD/JP)
The key innovation in the Bill is the establishment of a DNA database to assist the Garda Síochána in tackling crime.
The database, when established, will have the capacity to link crimes and to identify suspects in relation to unsolved crimes enabling the Gardaí to better target their investigations and make better use of resources. Making use of such database technology in the forensics field has the added benefit of facilitating the searching, subject to strict conditions, of other national DNA databases.
Minister Shatter said: "When I became Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence in 2011, I made it a priority to bring forward comprehensive legislation to facilitate the optimal use of DNA in the fight against crime and to enhance cooperation within the EU and with other countries. In doing this, I was also determined that the legislation would fully respect human rights. I am satisfied that we have met all of these objectives.
"The intelligence generated will be invaluable to the Gardaí in relation to identifying prolific offenders involved in volume crime such as burglary but also in relation to serious offences against the person, such as homicide and sexual offences. It will contribute to the move towards more effective, targeted and smarter policing and will also facilitate cooperation with other police forces in relation to mobile criminals."
In addition to benefitting criminal investigations, the database will also be of benefit in identifying missing and unknown persons (including unidentified human remains) whether in individual cases or as the result of a natural or man-made disaster.
(CD/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2014
DNA Database System Bill To Be Made Law
The passing by the Oireachtas of legislation to establish a new DNA Database System has been welcomed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald. The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 was passed by the Seanad on Wednesday, having been passed by the Dáil on 1 May.
DNA Database System Bill To Be Made Law
The passing by the Oireachtas of legislation to establish a new DNA Database System has been welcomed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald. The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 was passed by the Seanad on Wednesday, having been passed by the Dáil on 1 May.
20 November 2013
IFA Called For Mandatory Pork Product Labelling
Mandatory labelling of pork products with its country of origin has been called for by the Irish Farmers' Association, after it was revealed that non-Irish pork was being presented as Irish.
IFA Called For Mandatory Pork Product Labelling
Mandatory labelling of pork products with its country of origin has been called for by the Irish Farmers' Association, after it was revealed that non-Irish pork was being presented as Irish.
06 September 2013
Shatter To Publish DNA Database Bill
Under new legislation, those convicted of serious offences would be required to give a DNA sample, which would then be held on a centralised database. A cabinet meeting held yesterday approved the new Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database) Bill, which will now be published by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter next Tuesday.
Shatter To Publish DNA Database Bill
Under new legislation, those convicted of serious offences would be required to give a DNA sample, which would then be held on a centralised database. A cabinet meeting held yesterday approved the new Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database) Bill, which will now be published by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter next Tuesday.
21 January 2009
Ahern Rejects Attack On Tackling Crime
Following another Finglas shooting today, Fine Gael has said Minister Ahern is "letting slip law and order on our streets". Justice Minister Dermot Ahern hit back at the claims, saying sufficient resources were being front loaded to stamp out Dublin’s organised crime gangs.
Ahern Rejects Attack On Tackling Crime
Following another Finglas shooting today, Fine Gael has said Minister Ahern is "letting slip law and order on our streets". Justice Minister Dermot Ahern hit back at the claims, saying sufficient resources were being front loaded to stamp out Dublin’s organised crime gangs.
23 October 2013
DNA Samples Collected From Roma Families In Child Disputes
Two children removed from Roma families are to undergo DNA testing to establish if they are related to the families they were found with. A 7-year-old girl was taken from a Roma family in Tallaght on Monday evening and is currently in the care of the Health Service Executive.
DNA Samples Collected From Roma Families In Child Disputes
Two children removed from Roma families are to undergo DNA testing to establish if they are related to the families they were found with. A 7-year-old girl was taken from a Roma family in Tallaght on Monday evening and is currently in the care of the Health Service Executive.