DNA testing of suspects urged

The compulsory testing of suspects in rape and other serious crime investigations was called for yesterday by Dr James O'Donovan…

The compulsory testing of suspects in rape and other serious crime investigations was called for yesterday by Dr James O'Donovan, director of the Forensic Science Laboratory. Ireland remains the only country in Europe where such suspects can refuse to allow DNA testing, he said.

He also called for a change in the Forensic Science Act under which drugs and DNA samples must be destroyed within six months, while crimes might still be under investigation.

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