Troubles victims express concern after Justice Minister launches consultation on deleting fingerprints and DNA records

Concerns have been raised that fingerprints and DNA records which could still bring people to justice for Troubles murders could soon be deleted by the PSNI.
An IRA active service unit on the South Armagh border. Some 3000 Troubles era weapons are in storage that could still be used to convict suspects. Photo: PacemakerAn IRA active service unit on the South Armagh border. Some 3000 Troubles era weapons are in storage that could still be used to convict suspects. Photo: Pacemaker
An IRA active service unit on the South Armagh border. Some 3000 Troubles era weapons are in storage that could still be used to convict suspects. Photo: Pacemaker

Victims groups have spoken out after Justice Minister Naomi Long launched a public consultation on proposals to limit the time police can hold DNA and fingerprints.

The PSNI reportedly holds 250,000 individuals’ fingerprints and 200,000 individuals’ DNA. Last month it was revealed that the PSNI will begin to delete DNA records in September. 

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The move was prompted by a ruling in the European Court of Human Rights which found that the indefinite storage of the data of a convicted drink driver from Newry breaches the European Conventions of Human Rights. 

Yesterday Justice Minister Naomi Long launched a consultation on changing the law. “These new proposals amend and supplement existing legislation which, when commenced, will provide the future statutory framework for the retention of biometric data in Northern Ireland,” she said. “This is an important area of public policy and I would encourage all who have an interest to respond to this consultation.”

Her key proposal is to put a time limit on how long such records can be retained by police, based on age and seriousness of the offence. The Department of Justice proposed amending legislation to allow for such material to be retained for legacy investigations. 

But Kenny Donaldson of victims group, the South East Fermanagh Foundation, expressed concern.

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“This week we gave evidence to MPs highlighting that the authorities hold 3000 Troubles era weapons that have not been fully catalogued for DNA and fingerprints,” he said. “We are very concerned indeed that deleting existing DNA or fingerprint records could scupper the possibility of securing convictions on the basis of evidence already held by police.”

Brian Gormally, Director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice, had similar concerns. “Unfortunately, there is a potential risk that the deletion of some historic material may undermine the investigation of unsolved Troubles related deaths in Northern Ireland,” he said.

The NI Human Rights Commission commented that NI’s law on retention of biometric data does not comply with human rights and that it is necessary to amend both legislation and policy. The consultation will run from 3 July to 28 August 2020. See: https://bit.ly/3eYAl5Y

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