Inadequate and outdated facilities, as well as an upsurge in gangland crime, is putting forensic scientists’ abilities to process evidence under threat.

Ireland’s forensic science chief has warned the Government that the State faces the risk of “very large expense and untold reputational damage” from the collapse of a court case due to contamination of DNA samples caused by poor laboratory conditions.

Authorities cannot say they were unaware of the potential for catastrophe in forensic science as

The Director General of Forensic Science Ireland has said the new DNA database will significantly assist gardai with criminal investigations.

The State’s forensic science agency is in “crisis” in terms of its staffing and facilities, the head of the body has told an Oireachtas committee.