Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has tasked an assistant commissioner to coordinate investigations into reports that DNA samples of suspected criminals have gone missing. Subsequent to that meeting, Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll, head of Special Crime Operations, has been given a formal role in coordinating the examination. Senior sources said that, while the facts of the matter are not yet clear, any failure to submit DNA samples for forensic testing could have serious implications in aiding investigations and even prosecutions. It is understood that DNA kits are distributed from central Garda stores based on requests from local divisions. Garda HQ said: "An Assistant Commissioner has been appointed to examine any potential issues.

Source: Irish Examiner April 02, 2019 15:45 UTC