Rights Commission concerned about DNA database plans

The Irish Human Rights Commission has expressed concerns about the Government's plans to introduce a DNA database.

The plans, designed to help Gardaí fight crime, are contained in the Criminal Justice Bill due to be published later this year.

The proposed law would allow Gardaí to retain DNA samples from convicted criminals and from suspects who are later found to be innocent.

The Human Rights Commission says this is unacceptable as retaining samples from people who are innocent before the eyes of the law is an invasion of the right to privacy.

It also says the Government's plans lack sufficient safeguards to protect people from potential miscarriages of justice.