Shortages 'allowing drug dealers to walk free' - Shatter

A lack of staff at the Forensic Science Laboratory is allowing many drug dealers to walk free because drug samples cannot be analysed in time for prosecutions to be brought, Fine Gael's justice spokesman Alan Shatter claimed today.

"The Minister's failure to prioritise the laboratory's needs - and the fact that staff have been forced to take industrial action from the March 4 - once again exposes the superficiality of the Minister's so called 'Zero Tolerance' policy," said Deputy Shatter.

"The laboratory plays a vital role in the fight against crime. It provides the Garda Siochana with the technical advice and assistance required in the whole area of crime detection. Evidence given in the courts by members of the laboratory is crucial to the outcome of many criminal prosecutions.

"For almost a year, the Minister has failed to take the action necessary to implement the recommendations - made by consultants Deloitte and Touche - to address the major difficulties confronting staff in the laboratory."