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Forensic Science Ireland’s Annual Report 2023 published
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Image: Forensic Science Ireland’s Annual Report 2023 (image)
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 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.
“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.”
The FSI Annual Report 2023 can be found here:
