GSOC ready to work with new DNA database

The Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 was enacted on 20 November 2015. The implementation of the legislation is to be overseen by an Oversight Committee, chaired by Judge Matthew Deery.

This Act has brought into law a national DNA database, similar to national databases already existing in the UK and many other European countries. The national database is stored within Forensic Science Ireland, which is currently located at Garda Síochána headquarters in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

DNA and forensic samples will now need to be taken in accordance with this new legislation. Instruction on how to do this has been given to all our investigators.

GSOC has developed a Code of Practice for implementation the Act. A Protocol of operation has also been agreed with Forensic Science Ireland and GSOC has nominated two investigators as the key liaison officers in relation to this. We intend to engage and fully support the implementation of the new legislation, which has the capacity to considerably assist criminal investigations.