DNA database - Minister deserves to be applauded

Abrasive, arrogant, and condescending he may well be, but Justice Minister Alan Shatter deserves to be applauded for his initiative in finally laying the foundations of a DNA database to combat crime here.

This is a very positive and long overdue development. The third government minister to publish such a bill, he is characteristically confident of succeeding where others failed. Though his manner has often come in for criticism, much of it warranted, including sharp censure in these columns, it is appropriate that credit be given where it is due.

Society in general, and especially victims of crime, will welcome this move to set up a DNA database which will make it easier to investigate serious crime. Once the bill comes into force next year, DNA from a crime scene will be entered in the database and routinely checked against the stored DNA profiles of suspects and offenders. It will give the gardaí a powerful and invaluable weapon in the relentless fight against crime.