Forensic science agency ‘in crisis mode’

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.

Director of Forensic Science Ireland, Dr Sheila Willis, said that in her 35 years working in the service there seemed to be “no systematic planning” by governments and departments as to its work.

Despite this, she said the agency — which conducts forensic examination on samples from crime scenes for Garda investigations and criminal prosecutions — provided “very good value for money”.