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Minister for Justice Helen McEntee launches Forensic Science Ireland Annual Report 2022
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee launches Forensic Science Ireland Annual Report 2022
Today Minister for Justice Helen McEntee published the Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report for 2022.
The 2022 annual report marks another important year for FSI. Despite an increase in the volume and complexity of submissions to FSI, the agency is performing very well, and has met or exceeded the majority of its targets for 2022, including issuing 23,542 forensic reports.
Minister McEntee marked the publication stating:
“I would like to thank Director General Chris Enright and the team of Forensic Science Ireland for their tremendous work throughout a challenging 2022. I am also very pleased with the progress that has been made on the Backweston laboratory in Celbridge Co. Kildare.
“This new facility is a significant investment by the Government in the future of forensics services in Ireland and in building stronger, safer communities. Construction on it is now complete and I look forward to attending the official opening at the end of this month.
I am particularly pleased to note the engagement that FSI undertook with other criminal justice agencies last year. FSI and An Garda Síochána collaborated to develop and launch “KopShop”, a mobile app that gives guidance on best practices in gathering evidence from crime scenes. FSI also actively contributed to several training programmes with AGS and the Road Safety Authority.
The agency’s good work also extended beyond Ireland in 2022, and FSI undertook significant international engagement in 2022. I am proud to announce that it was successful in its bid to host European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) 2025. EAFS is Europe’s largest forensic science event.”
FSI Director Chris Enright added:
“My thanks to all the staff at FSI for their significant contributions to the criminal justice system over the course of 2022. Our staff have contributed very strongly to improvements in service levels and advances in forensic science that are having a positive impact on the criminal justice system. This is all the more impressive considering the complex and changing nature of our operating environment in 2022.”
FSI’s DNA Database System now contains over 73,000 individual DNA profiles. This compares to just 25 profiles in 2015. This growth has allowed the DNA Database to become an important tool in investigating crimes and identifying perpetrators.
“I am glad to note the international reach that the DNA Database had in 2022. At the end of 2022, FSI was exchanging DNA data with 11 other countries under the Prüm Treaty.
In line with legislative requirements, 12,159 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were destroyed in 2022.
6,406 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2022. This is an indication that FSI is adhering to the important safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the DNA Database and the persons whose DNA data is recorded on it.”