State forensics agency helped identify nine missing people using DNA

The forensic database saw a significant increase in demand for services, mainly due to a rise in drug testing requests and the transfer of fingerprint and document and handwriting services from the Garda Technical Bureau

A member of the Garda forensic team arriving to examine a scene in East Cork. File picture: Dan Linehan

The State forensics agency used DNA profiling technology to identify the human remains of nine people last year who had previously been reported missing to gardaí.

The 2020 annual report of Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) shows a significant increase in demand for services, mainly due to a rise in drug testing requests and the transfer of fingerprint and document and handwriting services from the Garda Technical Bureau.