Children among 220 immigrant family members DNA-tested

Scores of children were among the members of immigrant families who have been DNA-tested in the past two years.

Around 220 DNA tests were carried out, mainly as part of family reunification proceedings where a relative of an individual who has been granted permission to reside in the State applies to the immigration authorities for permission to join them here.

Most of the tests, 82%, were sought to establish the parentage of a child central to the application, but people needing to prove that they were siblings, half-siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents were also tested.