Justice system 'increasingly dependent' on DNA database

Forensic Science Ireland issued 23,126 forensic reports in 2025, up from 17,980 in 2024. Picture: iStock

Ireland’s criminal justice system is to “an ever increasing extent” dependent on the effectiveness of the country’s DNA database system, according to the judge who chairs the oversight committee.

Judge Catherine A Murphy said the effectiveness of the database, in turn, was reliant on scientists being able to provide responses "in a timely manner" to investigators.

Judge Murphy said there were “ever-present challenges” in terms of recruiting and retaining qualified and experienced staff in Forensic Science Ireland, which operates the DNA database.

In its 2025 annual report, the DNA database system oversight committee said the FSI issued 23,126 forensic reports in 2025, up from 17,980 in 2024.

It said the contribution of the DNA database system was evident, assisting with 998 investigations in 2025, similar to 2024 figures.

“The committee notes, however, that increased demand for services may result in a strain on staff resources available and this matter should be carefully managed,” the report said.

“The committee is aware of current significant difficulties in recruiting staff in FSI and in particular staff for the ever increasing demand in the DNA and biological analysis unit.” 

The committee oversees the management and operation of the DNA database system in order to ensure its security and integrity is maintained to the highest degree.

In her foreword, Judge Murphy said: “To an ever-increasing extent, the development and success of our criminal justice system is dependent on the effectiveness and integrity of the DNA database system and on the ability of the appropriate staff members to be in a position to respond in a timely and professional manner to the requirements of criminal justice investigations.

"This continues to be the case despite the ever-present challenges in recruiting and retaining suitable qualified and experienced staff members."

She said that, as of December 31, 2025, there were 94,092 DNA profiles on DNA database, compared to 83,489 at the close of 2024, a rise of 13%.

“The DNA database system is a vital tool in the investigation of crime both at a national and European level," she said. 

"In total 998 investigations in Ireland were assisted by the database system in 2025." 

The judge added that at a European level, Ireland was exchanging DNA information with 20 countries under the Prüm Treaty.

This treaty was established in 2005 to step up cross-border co-operation between EU member states, particularly in combating terrorism, cross-border crime, and illegal migration.

• Cormac O'Keeffe, Security Correspondent