Concerns raised over extra powers for Gardaí

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has expressed concern about plans to give the Gardaí extra powers to take DNA samples from suspects in criminal investigations.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has expressed concern about plans to give the Gardaí extra powers to take DNA samples from suspects in criminal investigations.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has just published draft legislation, which would give the Gardaí the right to take DNA samples from criminal suspects without their consent.

It would also allow them to retain DNA for 12 months, rather than for the six months currently allowed.

Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties Ashling Reidy has said the council fears the system is open to abuse.

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