The DNA database in Northern Ireland

The law on DNA collection and retention is the same in Northern Ireland as in England and Wales, but there was a delay in implementing police powers due to lack of accreditation of Northern Ireland's DNA testing laboratory.

Retained DNA records are exported to the National DNA Database in England, as well as being stored in Northern Ireland.

The UK Government used an executive order to implement collection of DNA routinely on arrest in Northern Ireland in 2004, whilst the Assembly was suspended. This provision was not voted for by any Northern Ireland MP.

Policing powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2010. The Northern Ireland Justice Minister announced a consultation into plans to delete innocent people's DNA records in March 2011.

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