Press release
Minister McEntee publishes Forensic Science Ireland’s Annual Report 2023
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has today published the Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) Annual Report for 2023.
With the July 2023 completion of FSI’s long-awaited purpose-built facility, the 2023 report reflects on a landmark year for Forensic Science Ireland during which:
• Submissions to FSI increased by 5% overall compared to 2022.
• FSI issued over 21,700 forensic reports.
• FSI assisted in 171 body identification and Missing Person investigations.
• 11 missing persons were identified in 2023 with FSI’s assistance.
• FSI identified Nitazene, a potent synthetic opioid, as responsible for a cluster of overdoses in heroin users in November 2023.
• FSI progressed the introduction of an upgraded AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
• FSI progressed the introduction of a new system for automation of DNA processing data.
• FSI secured accreditation to the ISO:2017 17025 Quality Standard for several forensic services in the new building, including drugs testing, fingerprint mark enhancement and comparison, Documents & Handwriting, Blood Pattern Analysis and Damage assessment.
Minister McEntee, welcoming the publication of the 2023 annual report, said:
“I would like to thank Director General Chris Enright and the team at Forensic Science Ireland for their tremendous work throughout a challenging but hugely important year for the organisation.
“FSI’s new campus at Backweston is a major investment in forensic services for the State, which play a play a crucial role in criminal investigations as well as DNA identification services for missing persons.
“FSI has performed strongly in relation to its 2023 targets in spite of managing a complex transition to its new laboratory without any interruption to the provision of its important services.
“FSI’s expertise and analysis of evidence helps to secure hundreds of convictions a year in the most serious of criminal cases. I look forward to seeing their full transition to the new laboratory as well as the implementation of upgrades to fingerprint and DNA technology which will no doubt support significant evidential breakthroughs in the years to come.”
FSI Director Chris Enright added:
“Last year was a very significant year in FSI’s 49-year history, with the completion of our new purpose-built facility at the Backweston Laboratory Campus.
“Great progress was made in the second half of 2023 in transitioning to this new facility, with several services achieving accreditation by the end of the year.
“Our staff deserve great credit for embracing the dual roles of supporting urgent and critical case work from our current premises while we start up services in the new lab.
“My sincere thanks to all our staff for all you have done in support of the criminal justice system throughout 2023.
“It was my privilege to be part of the official opening of our new lab with Minister McEntee in March this year. We look forward to fully transitioning to our new lab and realising the benefits of a modern purpose-built facility.”
Minister McEntee added:
“The DNA Database continued to have international reach in 2023, with data exchanges with 11 other countries under the Prüm Treaty.
“In 2023 FSI also assisted with the identification of 11 Missing Persons, assisted in a number of cold case murder investigations and supported the identification of new highly potent psychoactive drug substances.
"In line with legislative requirements, 10,691 DNA samples taken from individuals for the purposes of generating a DNA profile were destroyed in 2023. 6,590 profiles were removed from the National DNA Database in 2023. This is an indication that FSI is adhering to the important safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the DNA Database and the persons whose DNA data is recorded on it.
“We look forward to supporting FSI as it hosts the European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) in the Dublin Convention Centre in May 2025. EAFS is Europe’s biggest forensic science event, bringing together over 1,000 forensic science practitioners, stakeholders, and partners from across the forensic science community to showcase the depth and breadth of developments in forensic science. This is a great opportunity for FSI to showcase the range of talents and capabilities on the European stage and make EAFS 2025 a memorable event. It is significant that FSI’s hosting of EAFS in 2025 coincides with its 50-year anniversary. EAFS will be a fitting way to recognise FSI’s rich history and continued contribution.”
The FSI Annual Report 2023 can be found here:
