Poll: Is it right to have a national DNA database to tackle crime?

A newspaper reports that every prisoner convicted of a serious offence or arrested for a crime that carries a jail term of five years or more will be required to provide DNA for a national database. But should we have such a system?

IT HAS BEEN reported today that a DNA database is to be set up to tackle crime in Ireland.

The Irish Daily Mail reports that that inmates convicted of a serious offence will be required to co-operate along with those arrested for crimes that carry a sentence of five years or more.

Those arrested for crimes punishable with a jail term of five years or more will provide samples on the proviso that they be destroyed within a few years.

Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about a possible breach of human rights.

The move has been previously mooted by minister for justice Alan Shatter who said that legislation to create a national DNA database was one of his top legislative priorities.

But is it right to establish such a database in Ireland?

Poll Results:

Yes (938)

No (189)

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Learn More Support The Journal

File photo

The Daily Poll

Author

Hugh O'Connell

View 31 comments

Send Tip or Correction

31 Comments

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

News in 60 seconds