Press Release: Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes draft legislation for DNA Database

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Welcomes the Publication of Draft Legislation toEstablish a DNA Database

In 2004 the Law Reform Commission published its consultation paper on the establishment of a DNA database which followed on from a request by the Attorney General of the time, for the commission to consider the matter. It published its recommendations for the setting up of a DNA database in 2005.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of the DRCC said: “It’s been 8 years since the Law Reform Commission published its recommendations on the setting up of a DNA data base. The commission at the time was conscious, in its recommendations, of striking a balance between the benefits of establishing a DNA database to support crime investigations and the possible infringements of human rights.

We are glad to see the balance has been struck in the proposed legislation to establish a DNA database by Minister Alan Shatter. We believe that, not only will the DNA data base help apprehend more perpetrators of sexual crimes in particular, but we hope that it will also act as a deterrent for potential perpetrators. For far too long perpetrators of sexual crimes in Ireland have acted with impunity and anything that helps to stop the prevalence of this most heinous crime in our society is very welcome.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC                        01 6614911 / 086 809 9618