Bill for DNA database to be drafted

The Government has approved the drafting of a Bill to provide for the establishment of a national DNA database.

It is understood that such a database will contain DNA profiles from suspected criminals as well as those obtained from crime scenes.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said he believed the database would make a significant contribution to the fight against crime.

Mr McDowell said: "This has been the experience elsewhere where databases are already in operation".

He said he was aware of the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved and would be mindful of recommendations made in a report by the Law Reform Commission (LRC) into the issue.

The LRC has published a report which recommends that a limited database should be established containing the DNA of convicted and suspected criminals, as well as samples from crime scenes.

But it recommended that if a suspect was subsequently not charged with any offence, the DNA sample should be removed from the database.

Mr McDowell said he would be paying close attention to the safeguards recommended by the LRC's report.

He said he believed that a database will result in improved detection levels as well as improved efficiency in the use of Garda resources.

Drafting will now commence and the Minister expects to publish the Bill later this year.