Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022
In short
This law allows for the collection of bodily samples from military personnel suspected of certain offenses under military law for forensic testing. It also establishes a DNA (Military Police) Database System for the investigation of offenses or incidents under military law.
What it regulates
- The taking of bodily samples from military persons in custody of Military Police.
- The taking of samples from Military Police personnel and volunteers for elimination and reference purposes.
- The establishment and operation of a DNA (Military Police) Database System by Forensic Science Ireland.
- The destruction of samples and DNA profiles under specific conditions.
Who it concerns
- Persons subject to military law.
- Military Police personnel.
- Volunteers who provide samples for investigation purposes.
Key points
- Samples can be taken from persons in custody of Military Police for DNA analysis.
- Intimate samples require consent, and refusal or withdrawal of consent can lead to inferences.
- Reasonable force may be used to take certain samples.
- The DNA (Military Police) Database System includes Crime Scene, Reference, and Elimination indexes.
- There are specific rules for the retention and destruction of samples and DNA profiles.
Legal text
Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 Skip to content Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Gaeilge Léim go dtí an t-ábhar Séanadh Aiseolas Deasc chabhrach English Gaeilge English Produced by the Office of the Attorney General Táirgthe ag Oifig an Ard-Aighne Home Legislation Acts of the Oireachtas Statutory Instruments Pre-1922 Legislation Constitution External Resources Bills (Houses of the Oireachtas) Iris Oifigiúil / Official Gazette Revised Acts (LRC) Classified List of Legislation (LRC) Translations (acts.
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- s)or rangeBliain nó blianta nó raon TypeCineál All Legislation Acts Statutory Instruments Advanced SearchCuardach Casta HomeBaile ActsAchtanna 2022 Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 Defence Forces (Evidence) Act 2022 Permanent Page URL View by SectionAmharc de réir Ailt View Full ActAmharc ar an Acht Iomlán Bill History Stair Bille Commencement, Amendments, SIs made under the Act Tosach Feidhme, Leasuithe, IRí arna ndéanamh faoin Acht Open PDFOscail PDF Print Full ActPriontáil an tAcht Iomlán Number 16 of 2022 DEFENCE FORCES (EVIDENCE) ACT 2022 CONTENTS PART 1 Preliminary and General Section 1. Short title and commencement 2. Interpretation 3. Application of Act to persons subject to military law 4. Supplementary provisions relating to samples and DNA profiles 5. Orders and regulations 6. Expenses 7. Objective of processing personal data PART 2 Taking of samples from persons in custody of Military Police 8. Power to take samples from person who is subject to military law 9. Taking of samples from persons in custody of Military Police for purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 10. Taking of intimate samples from persons in custody of Military Police 11. Taking of non-intimate samples from persons in custody of Military Police 12. Persons authorised to take intimate samples 13. Inferences from refusal to consent, or withdrawal of consent, to taking of intimate sample 14. When sample taken for purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System may also be used for evidential purposes 15. Use of reasonable force to take sample under section 9 or non-intimate sample 16. Re-taking of certain samples under Part 2 in certain circumstances 17. Samples not to be taken from persons in custody of Military Police other than in accordance with this Part PART 3 Taking of samples for elimination purposes 18. Definition (Part 3) 19. Taking of samples from Military Police personnel for elimination (Military Police) index 20. Direction from provost marshal for sample to be taken for elimination purposes 21. Re-taking of samples under Part 3 PART 4 Taking of samples from volunteers 22. Taking of samples from volunteers to generate DNA profiles 23. Re-taking of samples under Part 4 24. Entry of DNA profiles of volunteers in reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System PART 5 DNA (Military Police) Database System Chapter 1 Structure and purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 25. DNA (Military Police) Database System 26. Purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 27. Crime scene (Military Police) index 28. Reference (Military Police) index 29. Elimination (Military Police) index Chapter 2 Functions of Director of FSI in relation to DNA (Military Police) Database System 30. Functions of Director of FSI in relation to DNA (Military Police) Database System 31. Annual report of Director of FSI in relation to DNA (Military Police) Database System Chapter 3 Permitted searching 32. Permitted searching PART 6 Other powers of members of Military Police in relation to person placed in service custody Chapter 1 Obtaining and destruction of evidence 33. Definition (Part 6) 34. Other powers of members of Military Police in relation to person placed in service custody 35. Property in possession of Military Police 36. Destruction of item of forensic evidence or photograph taken under section 34 37. Extension of retention period under section 36 for items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 in certain circumstances 38. Destruction of items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 in exceptional circumstances 39. Retrial, quashing of convictions and determination of proceedings 40. Circumstances in which person to be informed of destruction of items of forensic evidence or photograph taken under section 34 41. Records Chapter 2 Fingerprints or palm prints obtained under section 34 42. Analysis of fingerprints or palm prints taken under section 34 43. Provision of prints for purposes of Chapter 3 of Part 12 of Act of 2014 Chapter 3 Destruction of items taken under section 34 not previously destroyed 44. Destruction of items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 not previously destroyed 45. Application to retain forensic evidence beyond period specified in section 44 PART 7 Destruction of samples and destruction, or removal from DNA (Military Police) Database System, of DNA profiles Chapter 1 Interpretation 46. Interpretation (Part 7) Chapter 2 Application of this Part to persons from whom samples were taken under Part 2 47. Destruction of intimate samples and non-intimate samples in certain circumstances 48. Extension of retention period under section 47 for intimate samples and non-intimate samples in certain circumstances 49. Destruction of intimate samples and non-intimate samples in exceptional circumstances 50. Destruction of certain samples taken for purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 51. Removal of certain DNA profiles from reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System in certain circumstances 52. Extension of retention period under section 51 for certain DNA profiles in reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System in certain circumstances 53. Removal in exceptional circumstances of certain DNA profiles in reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System from that system 54. DNA profiles not to be removed from DNA (Military Police) Database System in certain circumstances 55. Date on which sample under section 9, 10 or 11 may be deemed to have been taken in certain circumstances Chapter 3 Application of this Part to persons from whom samples were taken under Part 3 56. Destruction of samples taken from persons under section 19 and removal of their DNA profiles from DNA (Military Police) Database System 57. Destruction of samples taken from person under section 20 and removal of their profiles from DNA (Military Police) Database System Chapter 4 Application of this Part to persons from whom samples were taken under Part 4 58. Destruction of samples taken from persons under section 22 and destruction, or removal from DNA (Military Police) Database System, of their DNA profiles Chapter 5 Miscellaneous matters relating to destruction of samples and destruction, or removal from DNA (Military Police) Database System, of DNA profiles 59. Destruction of samples and destruction or removal of DNA profiles not previously destroyed or removed from DNA (Military Police) Database System 60. Application to summary court-martial to retain certain samples and certain DNA profiles beyond retention period 61. Request to FSI or other person to destroy sample or destroy, or remove from DNA (Military Police) Database System, DNA profile 62. Circumstances in which person to be informed of destruction of sample or destruction, or removal from DNA (Military Police) Database System, of DNA profile PART 8 Offences and penalties 63. Offences and penalties 64. Admissibility of evidence in case of non-compliance by member of Military Police with this Act or regulations thereunder 65. Disclosure of information PART 9 Review of operation of Parts 6 and 7 by Minister 66. Review of operation of Parts 6 and 7 by Minister 67. Ministerial orders to change periods for destruction PART 10 Miscellaneous 68. Sample may be taken from person even if sample taken previously 69. Delegation of functions of provost marshal under this Act 70. Delegation of functions of Director of FSI 71. Statistics 72. Further provision regarding the taking of samples under this Act 73. Regulations regarding taking of samples 74. Protocols 75. Evidence of certain authorisations under this Act 76. Authorisations under this Act 77. Non-application of Act 78. Procedures that may be used for transmission of certain samples for forensic testing 79. Provisions relating to evidence in court-martial proceedings regarding certain samples 80. Service of notices 81. Code of practice PART 11 Amendment of Act of 2014 82. Amendment of section 2 of Act of 2014 (interpretation) 83. Amendment of section 68 of Act of 2014 (permitted searching) 84. Amendment of section 72 of Act of 2014 (functions of committee) 85. Amendment of section 73 of Act of 2014 (cooperation with committee) 86. Amendment of section 109 of Act of 2014 (interpretation (Part 12)) 87. Amendment of section 113 of Act of 2014 (automated searching of certain DNA data in DNA Database System) 88. Amendment of section 114 of Act of 2014 (automated comparison of unidentified DNA profiles supplied by designated state with certain DNA profiles in DNA Database System) 89. Amendment of section 115 of Act of 2014 (automated searching for certain DNA profiles in DNA analysis files of designated state) 90. Amendment of section 116 of Act of 2014 (automated comparison of DNA profiles in crime scene index with DNA profiles in DNA analysis files of designated state) 91. Amendment of section 118 of Act of 2014 (dactyloscopic data to which this Chapter applies) 92. Amendment of section 124 of Act of 2014 (purposes for which data may be processed) PART 12 Miscellaneous amendments 93. Amendment of section 187A of Act of 1954 (summary court-martial) 94. Amendment of Courts-Martial Appeals Act 1983 Acts Referred to Coroners Act 1962 (No. 9) Courts-Martial Appeals Act 1983 (No. 19) Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 (No. 11) Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence) Act 1990 (No. 34) Criminal Procedure Act 1993 (No. 40) Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 Defence Act 1954 (No. 18) Dentists Act 1985 (No. 9) Explosive Substances Act 1883 (46 & 47 Vic., c. 3) Explosives Act 1875 (38 & 39 Vic., c.17) Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (No. 25) Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (No. 12) Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 (No. 41) Official Secrets Act 1963 (No. 1) Number 16 of 2022 DEFENCE FORCES (EVIDENCE) ACT 2022 An Act to amend the law to authorise the taking of bodily samples from military persons suspected of certain offences under military law for forensic testing; to provide for the taking of certain bodily samples from military persons or other persons who volunteer to have such samples taken from them for the purpose of the investigation of offences or incidents that may have involved the commission of offences under military law; to provide for the establishment and operation by Forensic Science Ireland of the Department of Justice and Equality of a DNA (Military Police) Database System; to provide for the purposes of that System; to provide for the taking of certain bodily samples from persons suspected of certain offences under military law for the purpose of generating DNA profiles in respect of those persons to be entered in the DNA (Military Police) Database System; to provide for the taking of certain bodily samples from certain persons for elimination purposes and, where appropriate, the entry of their DNA profiles in the DNA (Military Police) Database System; to provide for the taking of bodily samples from military persons, or samples from things, for the purpose of generating DNA profiles to be entered in the DNA (Military Police) Database System; to provide for the collection and analysis of other evidence; to provide, in certain circumstances, for the destruction of evidence and samples taken under this Act and the destruction, or removal from the DNA (Military Police) Database System, of any DNA profiles generated from those samples; to amend the Defence Act 1954 , the Courts-Martial Appeals Act 1983 and the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 ; and to provide for related matters. [6th July, 2022] Be it enacted by the Oireachtas as follows: PART 1 Preliminary and General Short title and commencement 1.
- a)a sample of— (
- i)blood, (
- ii)pubic hair, or (iii) urine; (
- b)a swab from a genital region or a body orifice other than the mouth; (
- c)a dental impression; “item of forensic evidence” means a sample, swab, specimen, impression or print obtained from a person under section 34 ; “match”, in relation to two DNA profiles, means that there is such a degree of correspondence between them that they are indistinguishable and it is probable that they relate to the same person, and the degree of that probability can be indicated statistically; “member of the Military Police” means a member of the Defence Forces appointed or transferred to the Military Police Corps; “member of the staff of FSI” means an officer of the Minister for Justice and Equality who is assigned to perform duties in FSI; “military installation” means a place or building (or portion thereof) occupied by, used by, or under the control (whether temporarily or otherwise) of the Defence Forces; “Minister” means the Minister for Defence; “non-coding part of DNA”, in relation to a person, means the chromosome regions of the person’s DNA that are not known to provide for any functional properties of the person; “non-intimate sample” means any of the following taken, or to be taken, from a person under section 11 : (
- a)a sample of— (
- i)saliva, (
- ii)hair other than pubic hair, (iii) a nail, or (
- iv)any material found under a nail; (
- b)a swab from any part of the body including the mouth but not from any other body orifice or a genital region; (
- c)a skin impression; “offence against military law” has the same meaning as it has in the Act of 1954; “prescribed”, other than in section 5
- a)who is subject to military law, or (
- b)who has, since commission of the offence to which the proceedings relate, ceased to be subject to military law, in a case in which the proceedings have been initiated within 6 months beginning on the date on which the person ceased to be subject to military law, the following may be used in the proceedings: (
- i)a sample obtained under section 10 or 11 ; (
- ii)the results of the forensic testing of a sample obtained under section 10 or 11 ; (iii) a DNA profile generated under section 10 or 11 ; (
- iv)an item of forensic evidence, photograph or other item obtained under section 34 ; (
- v)the results of the forensic testing of an item of forensic evidence or other item obtained under section 34 ; (
- vi)the results of any analysis, testing or comparison carried out under section 42 . Supplementary provisions relating to samples and DNA profiles 4.
- a)that the DNA profile may be compared with other DNA profiles in the DNA (Military Police) Database System under section 32 ; (
- b)that the DNA profile may be compared with other DNA profiles in the DNA Database System under section 32 ; (
- c)the effect of the DNA profile matching another DNA profile in the DNA (Military Police) Database System or matching another DNA profile in the DNA Database System; (
- d)in the case of a DNA profile entered, or to be entered, in the reference index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System, other than a DNA profile entered, or to be entered, in that index of that System under section 24 , that the DNA profile may be subject to an automated search or an automated comparison with DNA profiles under Chapter 2 of Part 12 of the Act of 2014 and the effect of the DNA profile matching another DNA profile following such an automated search or automated comparison.
- a)the person signing a document, or (
- b)in case the person is unable to write, the person making his or her mark on a document, to indicate his or her consent.
- a)the sample may be taken by plucking hairs with their roots and, in so far as it is reasonably practicable, the hairs shall be plucked singly, and (
- b)no more hairs shall be plucked than the person taking the sample reasonably considers necessary to constitute a sufficient sample for the purpose of forensic testing.
- a)the loss, destruction or contamination of the whole or any part of the sample, (
- b)any damage to the whole or a part of the sample, or (
- c)the use of the whole or a part of the sample for analysis which produced no results or which produced results some or all of which have to be regarded, in the circumstances, as unreliable, the sample has become unavailable or insufficient for the purpose of enabling information, or information of a particular description, to be obtained by means of analysis of the sample.
- a)the removal from the DNA (Military Police) Database System of a DNA profile that may be retained in that System in accordance with this Act, or (
- b)the destruction of a record that is required to identify the person to whom a DNA profile referred to in paragraph (
- a)relates.
- a)to retain such records as may be required by him or her to show that that section has been complied with, and (
- b)to retain such records as may be required by him or her to show that section 62 has been complied with.
- a)a form of certificate referred to in section 75 or 79 , or (
- b)a form of authorisation given under section 9
- b)in a case in which a sample already taken under this section from the person has proved to be insufficient— (
- i)that that sample has proved to be insufficient, and (
- ii)that either— (I) another authorisation under subsection
- c)that if the person fails or refuses to allow the sample to be taken from him or her, reasonable force may be used in accordance with section 15 ; (
- d)that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the effect of such an entry; (
- e)that the sample, or the DNA profile generated from the sample in respect of the person, may be transmitted or provided to a person or body in connection with the investigation of offences against military law and court-martial proceedings (whether within or outside the State) as provided for in, or permitted by, this Act; (
- f)that the sample may be destroyed, and the DNA profile in respect of the person entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System may be removed from that System, in accordance with Part 7 . Taking of intimate samples from persons in custody of Military Police 10.
- a)for suspecting the involvement of the person from whom the sample is to be taken in the commission of the relevant offence in respect of which he or she is placed in service custody, and (
- b)for believing that the sample will tend to confirm or disprove the involvement of that person in the commission of that offence.
- a)the nature of the relevant offence in the commission of which it is suspected that the person has been involved; (
- b)that an authorisation to take the sample from him or her has been given under subsection
- a)and the grounds on which it has been given; (
- c)in a case in which an intimate sample already taken from the person has proved to be insufficient— (
- i)that that sample has proved to be insufficient, and (
- ii)that either— (I) another authorisation under subsection
- a)and the grounds on which it has been given; (
- d)that the results of the forensic testing of the sample may be given in evidence in any proceedings; (
- e)if appropriate, that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the effect of such an entry; (
- f)that the sample, or the DNA profile generated from the sample in respect of the person, may be transmitted or provided to a person or body in connection with the investigation of offences against military law and court-martial proceedings (whether within or outside the State) as provided for in, or permitted by, this Act; (
- g)that the sample may be destroyed, and, if appropriate, the DNA profile in respect of the person entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System may be removed from that System, in accordance with Part 7 .
- b)(or if the withdrawal of that consent can reasonably be inferred from the conduct of the person) before or during the taking of an intimate sample under this section— (
- a)that withdrawal of consent shall be treated as a refusal to give the consent to the taking of the sample under this section, and (
- b)the provisions of this Part shall apply accordingly.
- a)for suspecting the involvement of the person from whom the sample is to be taken in the commission of the relevant offence in respect of which he or she is placed in service custody, and (
- b)for believing that the sample will tend to confirm or disprove the involvement of that person in the commission of that offence.
- a)the nature of the relevant offence in the commission of which it is suspected that the person has been involved; (
- b)that an authorisation to take the sample from him or her has been given under subsection
- c)in a case in which a non-intimate sample already taken from the person has proved to be insufficient or was inadequately labelled— (
- i)that that sample has proved to be insufficient or was inadequately labelled, as may be appropriate, and (
- ii)that either— (I) another authorisation under subsection
- d)if appropriate, that if the person fails or refuses to allow the sample to be taken from him or her, reasonable force may be used in accordance with section 15 ; (
- e)that the results of the forensic testing of the sample may be given in evidence in any proceedings; (
- f)if appropriate, that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the effect of such an entry; (
- g)that the sample, or the DNA profile generated from the sample in respect of the person, may be transmitted or provided to a person or body in connection with the investigation of offences against military law and court-martial proceedings (whether within or outside the State) as provided for in, or permitted by, this Act; (
- h)that the sample may be destroyed, and, if appropriate, the DNA profile in respect of the person entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System may be removed from that System, in accordance with Part 7 . Persons authorised to take intimate samples 12.
- a)the court-martial (or, subject to the military judge’s directions, the court-martial board), in determining whether the accused is guilty of the relevant offence charged (or of any offence against military law of which he or she could lawfully be convicted on that charge), may draw such inferences from the refusal or withdrawal concerned, as the case may be, as appear proper, and (
- b)the refusal or withdrawal concerned may, on the basis of such inferences, be treated as, or as being capable of amounting to, corroboration of any evidence in relation to which the refusal or withdrawal is material.
- a)he or she has been told in ordinary language by a member of the Military Police when seeking his or her consent that— (
- i)the sample was required for the purpose of forensic testing, (
- ii)his or her consent was necessary, and (iii) if his or her consent was not given, what the effect of a refusal or withdrawal by him or her of such consent might be, and (
- b)he or she was informed before such refusal or withdrawal of consent occurred that he or she had the right to consult a solicitor and, other than where he or she waived that right, he or she was afforded an opportunity to so consult before such refusal or withdrawal occurred.
- a)a sample is taken from the person under section 9 during the period, and (
- b)a non-intimate sample is required from the person during the period, then, subject to subsection
- i)a member of the Military Police not below the rank of captain authorises the first-mentioned sample to be so regarded for the purposes of forensic testing and the generation of a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System, and (
- ii)a member of the Military Police has informed the person of the following: (I) the nature of the offence against military law in the commission of which it is suspected that the person has been involved; (II) that an authorisation to regard that sample as a non-intimate sample has been given under paragraph (
- i)and the grounds on which it has been given; (III) that the results of the forensic testing of that sample may be given in evidence in any proceedings (including proceedings other than court-martial proceedings).
- i)to regard a sample taken from a person under section 9 as a non-intimate sample shall not be given unless the member of the Military Police giving it has reasonable grounds— (
- a)for suspecting the involvement of the person from whom the first-mentioned sample was taken in the commission of the relevant offence in respect of which he or she is placed in service custody, and (
- b)for believing that that sample will tend to confirm or disprove the involvement of that person in the commission of the relevant offence concerned.
- a)of that intention, and (
- b)that an authorisation to do so has been given under subsection
- a)a person is placed in service custody for a period in connection with a relevant offence, and (
- b)a sample under section 9 taken from the person during the period for which the person is placed in service custody proves to be insufficient or inadequately labelled or an intimate sample or a non-intimate sample taken from the person during the period for which the person is placed in service custody proves to be insufficient or is inadequately labelled, a second sample under section 9 , a second intimate sample or a second non-intimate sample, as the case may be, may be taken from the person in accordance with this Part while he or she is so placed in service custody only if, subject to subsection
- a)a non-intimate sample is taken from a person who is placed in service custody, (
- b)the person is released without any charge having been made against him or her, and (
- c)the sample proves to be insufficient or is inadequately labelled, a second non-intimate sample may be taken from the person in accordance with this Part only if— (
- i)a member of the Military Police not below the rank of commandant authorises it to be taken, and (
- ii)the person attends at a specified military installation in accordance with this section for the purpose of having the second non-intimate sample taken from him or her.
- a)for suspecting the involvement of the person from whom the first non-intimate sample concerned was taken in the relevant offence in respect of which he or she was placed in service custody when that sample was taken, and (
- b)for believing that a second non-intimate sample will tend to confirm or disprove the involvement of that person in that relevant offence.
- a)may be given on one occasion only, and (
- b)may not be given if a period of more than 6 months has elapsed since the first non-intimate sample concerned was taken from the person.
- a)to a first non-intimate sample shall be construed as references to a second non-intimate sample, and (
- b)to a second non-intimate sample shall be construed as references to a third non-intimate sample, taken, or to be taken, from the person.
- a)that the sample is to be taken from him or her under this section; (
- b)in a case in which a sample already taken under this section from the person has proved to be insufficient or was inadequately labelled or for any other reason mentioned in section 21 a second or further sample under this section is required to be taken from him or her— (
- i)that the first-mentioned sample has proved to be insufficient, was inadequately labelled or that other reason for requiring a second or further sample under this section to be taken, as may be appropriate, and (
- ii)that a second or further sample under this section is, in accordance with section 21 , to be taken from him or her; (
- c)that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the elimination (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the effect of such an entry; (
- d)that the sample may be destroyed, and the DNA profile in respect of the person entered in the elimination (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System may be removed from that System, in accordance with Part 7.
- a)a member of the Defence Forces; (
- b)an employee of the Minister; (
- c)any person who at the time the direction is given is subject to military law in accordance with— (
- i)paragraph (
- d)or (
- e)of section 118, or (
- ii)paragraph (
- c)or (
- d)of section 119, of the Act of 1954.
- a)that the sample is to be taken from him or her pursuant to a direction given under this section; (
- b)in a case in which a sample already taken under this section from the person had proved to be insufficient or was inadequately labelled or for any other reason mentioned in section 21 a second or further sample under this section is required to be taken from him or her— (
- i)that the first-mentioned sample has proved to be insufficient, was inadequately labelled or that other reason for requiring a second or further sample under this section to be taken, as may be appropriate, and (
- ii)that a second and further sample under this section is, in accordance with section 21 , to be taken from him or her; (
- c)that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person for the purpose of ascertaining whether he or she has contaminated the crime scene sample concerned; (
- d)that the sample, and the DNA profile in respect of the person generated from it, may be destroyed in accordance with Part 7 .
- a)that the volunteer is not obliged to have the sample taken from him or her; (
- b)in a case in which a sample already taken under this section from the volunteer has proved to be insufficient or was inadequately labelled or for any other reason, mentioned in section 23 , a second or further sample is required to be taken from him or her— (
- i)that the first-mentioned sample has proved to be insufficient, was inadequately labelled or that other reason for requiring a second or further sample under this section to be taken, as may be appropriate, and (
- ii)that a second sample or further sample is, in accordance with section 23 , to be taken from him or her; (
- c)that the sample will be used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the volunteer for the purposes of the investigation of the relevant offence, or incident that may have involved the commission of a relevant offence, in relation to which it is being taken; (
- d)that the sample and the DNA profile generated from the sample in respect of the volunteer may be destroyed in accordance with Part 7 .
- a)that the volunteer concerned is not obliged to consent to his or her DNA profile being entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System; (
- b)the effect of the entry of the DNA profile in that index of that System; (
- c)that the sample taken from the volunteer concerned under section 22 may be destroyed if not previously destroyed, and his or her DNA profile entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System may be removed from that System, in accordance with Part 7 .
- a)the crime scene (Military Police) index; (
- b)the reference (Military Police) index; (
- c)the elimination (Military Police) index. Purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 26.
- a)the investigation and prosecution of an offence against military law, whether committed within or outside the State; (
- b)the facilitation of the performance by the Committee (within the meaning of the Act of 2014) of its functions under Part 9 of the Act of 2014 in relation to the management and operation of that System; (
- c)the automated searching of certain DNA profiles in that System in accordance with Chapter 2 of Part 12 of the Act of 2014; (
- d)the automated comparison of certain DNA profiles in that System with other DNA profiles in accordance with Chapter 2 of Part 12 of the Act of 2014.
- a)the conduct of permitted searching under section 32 ; (
- b)the compilation of statistics on the operation of the System under section 71 ; (
- c)the facilitation of a review of an alleged miscarriage of justice under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993 ; (
- d)any other related purpose. Crime scene (Military Police) index 27.
- a)a place— (
- i)where the offence or suspected offence was, or is reasonably suspected of having been, committed, or (
- ii)where there is, or may be, evidence of, or relating to, the commission of the offence or suspected offence that was, or is reasonably suspected of having been, committed elsewhere; (
- b)the body of the victim, whether living or deceased, of the offence or suspected offence; (
- c)anything worn or carried by or in contact with the victim, or a person reasonably considered to be a victim, at the time the offence or suspected offence was, or is reasonably suspected of having been, committed; (
- d)the body of any other person who was, or is reasonably suspected of having been, connected with the commission of the offence or suspected offence; (
- e)anything (including a mode of transport) that was, or is reasonably suspected of having been, connected with the commission of the offence or suspected offence. Reference (Military Police) index 28. The reference (Military Police) index in the DNA (Military Police) Database System shall comprise the DNA profiles of persons— (
- a)generated from samples taken from persons under sections 9 , 10 and 11 and entered in that index under those sections, and (
- b)generated from samples taken from persons under section 22 and entered in that index under section 24 . Elimination (Military Police) index 29. The elimination (Military Police) index in the DNA (Military Police) Database System shall comprise the DNA profiles of persons generated from samples taken from persons under section 19 or 20 . Chapter 2 Functions of Director of FSI in relation to DNA (Military Police) Database System Functions of Director of FSI in relation to DNA (Military Police) Database System 30.
- a)the generation of DNA profiles from the samples taken under this Act; (
- b)if appropriate, the entry of the DNA profiles generated in the appropriate index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System; (
- c)the searching of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the DNA Database System in accordance with section 32 to ascertain whether there is a match between two DNA profiles in either of those Systems, or in both of those Systems; (
- d)the reporting to the provost marshal of the results of searches of the DNA (Military Police) Database System and the DNA Database System; (
- e)the destruction of samples taken under this Act in accordance with Part 7 ; (
- f)the removal of DNA profiles from the DNA (Military Police) Database System in accordance with Part 7 or for the purpose of the administration of the System; (
- g)the maintenance of the security of the DNA profiles and information in the DNA (Military Police) Database System in accordance with this Act; (
- h)the automated searching of certain DNA profiles in the DNA (Military Police) Database System in accordance with Chapter 2 of Part 12 of the Act of 2014; (
- i)the automated comparison of certain DNA profiles in the DNA (Military Police) Database System with other DNA profiles in accordance with Chapter 2 of Part 12 of the Act of 2014.
- a)generate a DNA profile from a sample taken under this Act, or (
- b)enter a DNA profile in an index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System, unless such generation or entry, as the case may be, is necessary for the purposes of the investigation of an offence against military law.
- a)the comparison is— (
- i)necessary for the purposes of the investigation of an offence against military law, and (
- ii)in accordance with this section, or (
- b)the comparison is done solely for the purpose of the administration of the DNA (Military Police) Database System.
- a)the other DNA profiles entered in that index, (
- b)the DNA profiles entered in the reference (Military Police) index, (
- c)the DNA profiles entered in the elimination (Military Police) index, where the comparison is carried out in accordance with subsection
- d)the DNA profiles entered in the crime scene index under the Act of 2014, (
- e)the DNA profiles entered in the reference index under the Act of 2014, (
- f)the DNA profiles entered in the elimination (Garda Síochána) index under the Act of 2014, where the comparison is carried out in accordance with subsection
- a)the other DNA profiles entered in that index, (
- b)the DNA profiles entered in the crime scene (Military Police) index, (
- c)the DNA profiles entered in the crime scene index under the Act of 2014, or (
- d)the DNA profiles entered in the reference index under the Act of 2014.
- a)the other DNA profiles in that index, or (
- b)a DNA profile that is generated from a crime scene sample found at, or recovered from, a particular crime scene and entered in the crime scene (Military Police) index where— (
- i)such comparison is necessary in relation to the investigation of an offence against military law to ascertain whether the person has contaminated that crime scene sample, and (
- ii)that comparison is in accordance with a direction given by the Director of FSI under subsection
- a)the elimination (Garda Síochána) index, (
- b)the elimination (crime scene investigators) index, or (
- c)the elimination (prescribed persons) index, under the Act of 2014 may be compared with a DNA profile that is generated from a crime scene sample found at, or recovered from, a particular crime scene and entered in the crime scene (Military Police) index where— (
- i)such comparison is necessary in relation to the investigation of an offence against military law to ascertain whether the person concerned has contaminated that crime scene sample, and (
- ii)that comparison is in accordance with a direction given by the Director of FSI under subsection
- PART 6 Other powers of members of Military Police in relation to person placed in service custody Chapter 1 Obtaining and destruction of evidence Definition (Part 6)
- For the purposes of this Part, “retention period”, in relation to an item of forensic evidence or photograph taken pursuant to the powers conferred by section 34 , means the period from the taking of the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned, from or of a person, to the latest date for the destruction of that item of forensic evidence or photograph under section 36
- a)demand of him or her, his or her name, service number, rank and unit; (
- b)search him or her or cause him or her to be searched; (
- c)photograph him or her or cause him or her to be photographed; (
- d)take, or cause to be taken, his or her fingerprints and palm prints; (
- e)take, or cause to be taken, from the person a sample of a footprint or similar impression of any part of the person’s body other than a part of the hand or mouth; (
- f)carry out, or cause to be carried out, any test designed for the purpose of ascertaining whether he or she has been in contact with any firearm (within the meaning of the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009) or with any explosive and for that purpose take swabs from the person’s skin or samples of the person’s hair; (
- g)require the person to permit a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse to take a specimen of blood from him or her for analysis as to the concentration of alcohol or other drug in the blood; (
- h)with the prior consent in writing of the person placed in service custody, cause to be taken by a registered dentist or a registered medical practitioner, a dental impression; (
- i)seize and retain for testing anything that he or she has in his or her possession.
- c)to (
- h)shall not be exercised unless a member of the Military Police not below the rank of captain authorises it.
- i)is believed by that member to be evidence of any offence (or suspected offence) against military law— (
- a)the property may be retained for use as evidence in any proceedings in relation to that offence for such period from the date of seizure of the property as is reasonable or, if proceedings are commenced in which the property is required for use in evidence, until the conclusion of the proceedings, and (
- b)an order may not be made under subsection
- a)where proceedings for an offence against military law— (
- i)are not instituted against the person within the period of 12 months from the date of the taking of the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned, and the failure to institute such proceedings within that period is not due to the fact that he or she has absconded or cannot be found, or (
- ii)have been instituted and— (I) the person is acquitted of the offence against military law, (II) the charge against the person in respect of the offence against military law is dismissed under section 177 or 178 of the Act of 1954, or (III) the proceedings for the offence against military law are discontinued; (
- b)the person’s conviction for the offence against military law concerned in connection with which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken is quashed; (
- c)the person’s conviction for the offence against military law concerned in connection with which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken is declared to be a miscarriage of justice under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993 . Extension of retention period under section 36 for items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 in certain circumstances 37.
- a)a decision has not been taken whether or not to institute proceedings against the person for the offence against military law concerned in connection with which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken; (
- b)the investigation of the offence against military law concerned has not been concluded; (
- c)the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned, and the results of any examination or analysis of it, are likely to be required for the prosecution of an offence against military law connected with the event, incident or circumstances the subject of the offence concerned— (
- i)for use as evidence in such proceedings, (
- ii)for disclosure to, or use by, an accused in such proceedings, or (iii) to support the admissibility of any evidence on which the prosecution may seek to rely in such proceedings; (
- d)having regard to the matters specified in subsection
- i)proceedings for that offence have not been instituted against the person, or (
- ii)if such proceedings have been instituted against the person, they were determined without he or she being convicted of the offence concerned; (
- e)there are reasonable grounds for believing that the item of forensic evidence or photograph of the person may be required in connection with the investigation of an offence against military law, other than the offence in connection with which the item of forensic evidence or photograph was taken, which the person is suspected of having committed.
- d)to which the provost marshal shall have regard are the following: (
- a)whether the person concerned has any previous conviction for an offence against military law similar in nature or gravity to the offence concerned in connection with which the item of forensic evidence concerned was taken from, or the photograph concerned was taken of, him or her; (
- b)the nature and seriousness of that offence; (
- c)any other matter that the provost marshal considers appropriate for the purposes of the determination.
- a)be on notice to the provost marshal, and (
- b)be heard otherwise than in public.
- a)confirms the authorisation concerned, or (
- b)allows the appeal, the provost marshal shall give effect to the decision of the summary court-martial.
- a)prevent or restrict the exercise of powers conferred by section 34 , or (
- b)pending the conclusion of proceedings under this section, prevent or restrict the use of the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned for the purposes of— (
- i)this Act, (
- ii)an investigation into an alleged offence against military law, or (iii) other proceedings. Destruction of items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 in exceptional circumstances 38.
- a)it is established, at any time after the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of an offence against military law during which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken, that no such offence was committed; (
- b)it is established that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of an offence against military law during which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken was on the basis of the mistaken identity of the person concerned as the perpetrator of that offence; (
- c)it is determined by a court that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of an offence against military law during which the item of forensic evidence or photograph concerned was taken was unlawful. Retrial, quashing of convictions and determination of proceedings 39.
- The provost marshal shall provide a fingerprint or palm print taken under section 34 to the Garda Síochána for the purposes of facilitating the conduct of searches under Chapter 3 of Part 12 of the Act of
- Chapter 3 Destruction of items taken under section 34 not previously destroyed Destruction of items of forensic evidence taken under section 34 not previously destroyed
- Subject to section 45 , an item of forensic evidence taken from, or photograph taken of, a person pursuant to powers conferred by section 34 shall, if not previously destroyed, be destroyed not later than the expiration of 25 years from the date of the taking of the evidence or photograph. Application to retain forensic evidence beyond period specified in section 44 45.
- a)references to a conviction of a person for a relevant offence shall be construed as including references to a conviction of the person for such an offence after a re-trial for that offence, (
- b)references to a conviction of a person for a relevant offence being quashed shall be construed as references to where a court hearing an appeal against the conviction makes an order quashing the conviction and, if the court is the Court of Appeal, either— (
- i)it does not order the person to be re-tried for the offence concerned, or (
- ii)it does not substitute for the verdict a verdict of guilty of another offence that is a relevant offence, and (
- c)references to the proceedings in respect of a relevant offence being determined shall be construed as references to where those proceedings are finally determined (including any appeal, whether by way of case stated or otherwise, rehearing or re-trial). Chapter 2 Application of this Part to persons from whom samples were taken under Part 2 Destruction of intimate samples and non-intimate samples in certain circumstances 47.
- a)where proceedings for a relevant offence— (
- i)are not instituted against the person within the period of 12 months from the date of the taking of the sample concerned, and the failure to institute such proceedings within that period is not due to the fact that he or she has absconded or cannot be found, or (
- ii)have been instituted and— (I) the person is acquitted of the relevant offence, (II) the charge against the person in respect of the relevant offence is dismissed in accordance with section 177, 177C, 177D, 178, 178C or 178D of the Act of 1954, or (III) the proceedings for the relevant offence are discontinued; (
- b)the person’s conviction for the relevant offence concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken is quashed; (
- c)the person’s conviction for the offence against military law concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken is declared to be a miscarriage of justice under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993 .
- a)a decision has not been taken whether or not to institute proceedings against the person for the relevant offence concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken; (
- b)the investigation of that relevant offence has not been concluded; (
- c)the sample concerned, and the results of any forensic testing of it, are likely to be required for the prosecution of an offence against military law connected with the event, incident or circumstances the subject of the relevant offence concerned— (
- i)for use as evidence in such proceedings, (
- ii)for disclosure to, or use by, an accused in such proceedings, or (iii) to support the admissibility of any evidence on which the prosecution may seek to rely in such proceedings; (
- d)having regard to the matters specified in subsection
- i)proceedings for that offence against military law have not been instituted against the person, or (
- ii)if such proceedings have been instituted against the person, they were determined without he or she being convicted of the relevant offence concerned.
- d)to which the provost marshal shall have regard are the following: (
- a)whether the person concerned has any previous conviction for an offence against military law similar in nature or gravity to the relevant offence concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken from him or her; (
- b)the nature and seriousness of that relevant offence; (
- c)any other matter that the provost marshal considers appropriate for the purposes of the determination.
- a)be on notice to the provost marshal, and (
- b)be heard otherwise than in public.
- a)confirms the authorisation concerned, or (
- b)allows the appeal, the provost marshal shall give effect to the decision of the summary court-martial.
- a)prevent or restrict the exercise of powers conferred by section 10 or 11 , or (
- b)pending the conclusion of proceedings under this section, prevent or restrict the use of the sample concerned for the purposes of— (
- i)this Act, (
- ii)an investigation into an alleged offence against military law, or (iii) other proceedings. Destruction of intimate samples and non-intimate samples in exceptional circumstances 49.
- a)it is established, at any time after the person concerned is placed in service custody for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken, that no such offence was committed; (
- b)it is established that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken was on the basis of the mistaken identity of the person concerned as the perpetrator of that relevant offence; (
- c)it is determined by a court that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken was unlawful. Destruction of certain samples taken for purposes of DNA (Military Police) Database System 50.
- a)as soon as a DNA profile has been generated from the sample, or (
- b)before the expiration of the period of 6 months from the date of the taking of the sample, whichever occurs later.
- a)it is established, at any time after the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken, that no such offence was committed; (
- b)it is established that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken was on the basis of the mistaken identity of the person concerned as the perpetrator of that relevant offence; or (
- c)it is determined by a court that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken was unlawful. Removal of certain DNA profiles from reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System in certain circumstances 51.
- a)in a case where the sample was taken from the person under section 9 , 10 or 11 and proceedings for a relevant offence— (
- i)are not instituted against the person within the period of 12 months from the date of the taking of that sample and the failure to institute such proceedings within that period is not due to the fact that he or she has absconded or cannot be found, or (
- ii)have been instituted and— (I) the person is acquitted of the relevant offence, (II) the charge against the person in respect of the relevant offence is dismissed in accordance with section 177, 177C, 177D, 178, 178C or 178D of the Act of 1954, or (III) the proceedings for the relevant offence are discontinued; (
- b)in a case where the sample was taken from the person under section 9 , 10 or 11 and his or her conviction for the relevant offence concerned, in connection with which that sample was taken, is quashed; (
- c)the person’s conviction for the offence against military law concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken is declared to be a miscarriage of justice under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993 .
- a)in relation to the investigation of the relevant offence concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken from the person (from which his or her DNA profile was generated)— (
- i)a decision whether or not to institute proceedings against the person for that offence has not been taken, or (
- ii)the investigation of that offence has not been concluded; (
- b)having regard to the matters specified in subsection
- i)proceedings for that offence have not been instituted against the person, or (
- ii)if such proceedings have been instituted against the person, they were determined without him or her being convicted of the relevant offence concerned.
- b)to which the provost marshal shall have regard are the following: (
- a)whether the person concerned has any previous conviction for an offence against military law similar in nature or gravity to the relevant offence concerned in connection with which the sample concerned was taken from him or her (from which his or her DNA profile was generated); (
- b)the nature and seriousness of that relevant offence; (
- c)any other matter that the provost marshal considers appropriate for the purposes of the determination.
- a)the date of the taking of the sample concerned from the person, or (
- b)if appropriate, the date on which that sample is deemed under section 55 to have been taken from him or her, whichever is the later.
- a)the date of the taking of the sample concerned from the person, or (
- b)if appropriate, the date on which that sample is deemed under section 55 to have been taken from him or her, whichever is the later.
- a)be on notice to the provost marshal, and (
- b)be heard otherwise than in public.
- a)confirms the authorisation concerned, or (
- b)allows the appeal, the provost marshal shall give effect to the decision of the summary court-martial.
- a)prevent or restrict the exercise of powers conferred by section 9 , 10 or 11 , or (
- b)pending the conclusion of proceedings under this section, prevent or restrict the use of the DNA profile concerned for the purposes of— (
- i)this Act, (
- ii)an investigation into an alleged offence against military law, or (iii) other proceedings. Removal in exceptional circumstances of certain DNA profiles in reference (Military Police) index of DNA (Military Police) Database System from that system 53.
- a)it is established, at any time after the person concerned is placed in service custody for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken (from which his or her DNA profile was generated), that no such offence was committed; (
- b)it is established that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken (from which his or her DNA profile was generated) was on the basis of the mistaken identity of the person concerned as the perpetrator of that relevant offence; (
- c)it is determined by a court that the placing in service custody of the person concerned for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence during which the sample concerned was taken (from which his or her DNA profile was generated) was unlawful. DNA profiles not to be removed from DNA (Military Police) Database System in certain circumstances 54.
- a)proceedings for a relevant offence (“the subsequent relevant offence”) other than the offence in connection with which the sample concerned was taken (from which his or her DNA profile was generated and entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System) have not been instituted against the person, where the failure to institute such proceedings against him or her within the retention period is due to the fact that he or she absconded or could not be found, (
- b)proceedings for a relevant offence (“the subsequent relevant offence”) other than the offence in connection with which the sample concerned was taken (from which his or her DNA profile was generated and entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System) have been instituted against the person, unless— (
- i)the person has been acquitted of that relevant offence, (
- ii)the charge against the person in respect of that relevant offence is dismissed in accordance with section 177, 177C, 177D, 178, 178C or 178D of the Act of 1954, or (iii) the proceedings for that relevant offence have been discontinued, or (
- c)the person has been convicted of another relevant offence (“the subsequent relevant offence”), unless— (
- i)the conviction for that relevant offence is quashed, or (
- ii)the conviction for that relevant offence is declared to be a miscarriage of justice under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993 .
- a)but for the taking from him or her of the first sample, a sample may be, but is not, taken from him or her on a date after the first sample was taken (“the subsequent date”) under section 9 while the person is placed in service custody for the purposes of the investigation of a relevant offence other than the offence in connection with which the first sample was taken, or (
- b)an intimate sample or a non-intimate sample taken from the person on a date after the taking of the first sample (“the subsequent date”) for the investigation of a relevant offence other than the offence in connection with which the first sample was taken is not used to generate a DNA profile in respect of the person to be entered in the reference (Military Police) index of the DNA (Military Police) Database System as his or her DNA profile has already been entered in that index, the first sample shall be deemed to have been taken from him or her on the subsequent date for the purposes of the application of subsection