The Minister for Justice has invited expressions of interest from people qualified to join a committee to oversee the DNA database system.

The committee will oversee the management and operation of the DNA database system to maintain its integrity and security.

According to Forensic Science Ireland’s annual report for 2020, there were more than 50,000 DNA samples on the database by the end of 2020.

The oversight group is being set up under the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act, 2014.

Six-strong committee

The act specifies that the committee should comprise six members – a chair and five ordinary members. The director of FSI will be an ex officio member.

Candidates must show that they have experience or skills, at a senior level, in the following areas:

• Experience and relevant academic qualifications in human rights, law enforcement and criminal investigation,
• Experience in identifying and solving problems of a systemic nature within organisations.

A good understanding of the 2014 legislation is also desirable, according to the Department of Justice.

The closing date for applications is 3pm on Wednesday, 2 March.