Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 September 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 October 2002. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what (a) instructions were drawn up for and (b) safeguards were used by PSNI officers in the Newtownabbey area to protect against right to privacy violations in the use of DNA analysis to re-examine forensic evidence collected in unresolved murder investigations; what the results were of these examinations; and what his assessment is of this experiment.

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) instructions were drawn up for and (b) safeguards were used by PSNI officers in the Newtownabbey area to protect against right to privacy violations in the use of DNA analysis to re-examine forensic evidence collected in unresolved murder investigations; what the results were of these examinations; and what his assessment is of this experiment. [74170] Jane Kennedy: The Police in Newtownabbey are conducting a self-inspection of unresolved murders applying forensic technology, including DNA, as appropriate. Any DNA results obtained will be examined against the DNA database. The management of the DNA database is governed by legislation, including the European Convention on Human Rights. The investigations are ongoing so it is not possible to provide an assessment at this time.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 74170; 390 c536W;390 c537-8W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Databases Criminal investigation Forensic science Genetics Homicide Identification of criminals Police Newtownabbey
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk