Stringent controls placed on forensic evidence

IRELAND has some of the most stringent rules in the world in relation to taking, examining and storing forensic samples from suspects.

There are many who argue the rules are too stringent and hamper crime investigations.

Under the Forensic Evidence Act, when a suspect is taken for questioning he can refuse to give what is described by one expert as an "intimate" sample, such as saliva, urine, blood or pubic hair.