DNA laws have to be examined

IF ever there was a compelling case for beefing up Garda forensic resources, it was demonstrated

That former army sergeant John Crerar is now behind bars is directly attributable to the faith placed by a dedicated detective in the crucial importance of advances in DNA science.

The circumstances surrounding his conviction re-kindles debate on the need for changes in Irish legislation on the destruction of DNA evidence.

At present, if a person is brought in for questioning and gives a sample under the Forensic Evidence Act it has to be destroyed within six months if no charges are brought.

While it is vital to guard against the Big Brother syndrome, the astonishing accuracy of DNA science means an innocent person should have nothing to fear.

The fact that samples have to be sent to Britain for analysis underscores the urgency of providing up-to-date laboratory facilities and a DNA bank here.

There are compelling reasons for Justice Minister Michael McDowell to revisit these questions. As the law stands, Crerar might never have been found guilty.