A failure to properly resource, staff and equip the State's Forensic Science Laboratory has damaged the effectiveness of the Garda Síochána and may have resulted in criminals walking free.
In spite of persistent Government declarations that fighting crime was its top priority, the laboratory was unable to process one-third of the drug and DNA samples submitted to it during the past seven years because of staff shortages. That is an appalling record. But the reality is much worse, as last week's report by Prof Ingvar Kopp, former head of Sweden's forensic service disclosed, because many gardaí have not bothered to send samples to be tested because they know the laboratory cannot cope. The level of this "suppressed demand" for DNA testing, in particular, is estimated at being double the number of samples actually submitted.
As Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan dusts off proposals for the establishment of a national DNA database and talks of publishing legislation during the coming months, a cold eye should be kept on the realities of the situation. It is one thing to announce the creation of new posts; it is quite another to fill them. Positions created by a former minister for justice in 2006 have yet to be filled and the report complains of "indefensible" delays in that regard. Only one of 12 full-time analyst posts is occupied.
The work of the laboratory was "seriously hampered" by a lack of funding and personnel. But problems were also identified in relation to the effective use of forensic evidence and facilities. The report recommended the purchase of new equipment and the computerisation of records; greater co-operation between the Garda and the laboratory; forensic awareness training for gardaí, lawyers and members of the judiciary and legal reforms concerning certification of the chain of evidence. There is, in other words, a need for extensive, multi-disciplinary reforms.
Across Europe, the forces of law and order have turned increasingly to forensic investigations and evidence in their fight against crime. We cannot afford to fall behind. A DNA database has long been promised. And forensic investigations are becoming more common in relation to mobile telephones, computers and environmental crime. Such technology is expensive and it is imperative that gardaí and scientists should develop a common strategy for its use. Staff at the laboratory worked hard, within the context of official neglect and totally inadequate numbers. And while extra staff has been promised, the allocation falls short of what was recommended. It is not good enough. Having concealed the damning report for 10 months, the Government cannot walk away from its responsibilities in this fashion.