Crime DNA database gets Cabinet go-ahead

A NATIONAL DNA database could be tracking down criminals by 2008 after the Cabinet yesterday gave the go-ahead for the sweeping initiative.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell is set to face down opposition from civil liberty groups over the plan by insisting data will be kept on record indefinitely for a much wider range of law breakers than just those sentenced to five years or more as recommended by the Law Reform Commission.

The minister pledged the scheme would develop into a key anti-crime weapon over the next decade.