DNA Initiatives around the Globe

IRELAND SOON TO PASS DNA DATABASE LEGISLATION
Ireland finally appears close to passing DNA databasing legislation. As one of the only countries in the European Union without a legislatively established database (Italy has also failed to pass legislation), pressure has been mounting on the government there to prioritize the issue. New legislation paving the way for databasing is to be published by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern before the end of 2008. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said the proposed bill was on a priority list and would be enacted in the New Year. Furthermore, €18m has been included in the budget for new state-of-the-art forensic science facilities at the State pathology laboratory.

The issue has been under discussion by successive governments for more than a decade. Recently however, the European Union has passed legislation requiring EU member country to pass legislation so that it can be shared with other member countries. The issue was originally handed over to Ireland’s Law Reform Commission which made its recommendations several years ago. The Commission recommended that the database should contain the DNA profiles of those convicted of the most serious crimes. Included in that category are murder, rape, offences against the State, drug offences, burglary, theft, criminal damage, or assault causing harm–but not offences carrying a sentence of less than five years’ imprisonment.

The proposed database will hold profiles indefinitely. However, profiles of individuals only suspected of serious crime would be kept temporarily and would be destroyed if no prosecution was brought or if the person was later acquitted.

RUSSIAN DUMA PROCEEDS WITH DATABASE INITIATIVE
The Russian State Duma has approved the first reading of a law to create a DNA database of Russian citizens. The draft law, On State Genomic Registration in the Russian Federation, was introduced into the Duma by the Executive Branch of the Government. In arguing for its approval, the authors of the bill note that a DNA database will enhance the effectiveness of crime fighting, combat terrorism, will aid in the search for missing people, and will facilitate the identification of bodies. The bill establishes the legal groundwork for the taking, storing, and use of DNA from Russians, foreign citizens, and “stateless” persons. The database would contain DNA profiles from unidentified bodies, unidentified individuals, and criminals convicted of serious crimes as well. Access to the database would be limited to law enforcement employees.

Interestingly, deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on Defense, Vladimir Kolesnikov, has stated that volunteers will be able to contribute their DNA to the database for a small fee. Previous reports estimate that the database will be created within five years. The Interior Ministry has approved the development of 35 laboratories to conduct genetic research.