AGSI has welcomed news of the new DNA Genetic Fingerprint Database. It follows the publication of the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013 by Minister Alan Shatter TD.
The key innovation in the Bill is the establishment of a DNA Genetic Fingerprint 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. In addition, 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.
AGSI Deputy General Secretary John Jacob said the publication of the Bill was “welcome news”. He stated that as far back as 2005 AGSI had sought the establishment of such a database to help members in criminal investigations.
“At our Annual Delegate Conference in 2005, AGSI called on the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform to set up a national Database of DNA Genetic Fingerprint of all persons convicted of arrestable crimes.
“Despite coming eight years later we do welcome this announcement. AGSI is satisfied that this database will aid our members greatly in solving crime subject to adequate funding being made available by Government to establish and maintain it,” says John Jacob.
