On Monday, 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.
McEntee thanked Director General Chris Enright and the team of Forensic Science Ireland for their work throughout the year.
“I am also very pleased with the progress that has been made on the Backweston laboratory in Celbridge Co. Kildare,” she said. “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.”
McEntee also spoke about FSI’s work with other criminal agencies.
“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 programs with AGS and the Road Safety Authority,” she said.
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. 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,” said McEntee. “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.”
Republished courtesy of Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.