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From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has today published the latest Annual Report from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

FSI has fully completed the relocation to its new facility in Backweston, with capacity returned to pre-transition levels and a 29% increase in forensic reports provided by FSI in 2025. The new laboratory campus in Backweston provides FSI with a functional, purpose-built facility, achieving best practice standards for evidence processing, analysis and storage.

Marking the publication, Minister O’Callaghan said:

“I commend FSI for its work across 2025. Its 2025 annual report demonstrates that the laboratory and expert services provided by FSI continue to be in significant demand. This work covers drug analysis, DNA identifications, physical analysis including fingerprints, and involvement in criminal and court proceedings. Drug testing demand was high for FSI in 2025 with Irish and European authorities notified of ten instances of new substances or unusual presentations of drugs in the Irish market last year.

“2025 was also the first full year of operations for the organisation from its new facility in Backweston. I want to commend the Director General and staff of FSI who have made the move to the new laboratory such a success. This world-class facility provides an excellent foundation for the continued delivery of FSI’s critical services to the Irish criminal justice system and the Irish public."

FSI Director General Dr. Ciarán Seoighe said:

“As Forensic Science Ireland marks its 50th anniversary, this report highlights not only the breadth of work carried out across the organisation, but also the increasingly complex and interconnected environment in which forensic science now operates. From supporting major criminal investigations and identifying missing persons, to detecting emerging drug threats and participating in international forensic information exchange, our work continues to evolve alongside the changing nature of crime.

“Forensic science has advanced enormously over the past five decades and FSI remains committed to ensuring that the Irish criminal justice system benefits from the latest scientific and technological developments. Central to that commitment is our focus on delivering high-quality, objective and independent forensic science, underpinned by international best practice, innovation and the professionalism of our staff.

“With a world-class laboratory, a highly skilled workforce and a clear ambition to remain at the forefront of forensic science, FSI is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead.”

The national DNA Database also marked its 10th anniversary in 2025 and aided in the identification of five missing persons over the course of the year. The DNA Database continues to be an important tool in investigating crimes and identifying perpetrators. In 2025 alone, 7,587 profiles from persons were added to the DNA database. Ongoing investments in DNA sequencing technologies are also having a growing impact.

Minister O’Callaghan continued:

“The National DNA database has helped to bring closure to several families of missing loved ones over its ten years in existence, and I welcome FSI’s commitment to using new technology in DNA sequencing.

“There are now over 94,000 profiles on the database and during 2025, 1,162 cases were assisted by matches to the DNA database. Under the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, we have introduced amendments to the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014 to make it easier for FSI to analyse DNA samples.

“I am committed to supporting FSI with both legislative provisions and the resources it needs so that the dedicated team at FSI can continue its excellent work.”

The Report can be found here:Forensic Science Ireland Annual Report 2025

A number of highlights, detailed in the report, from FSI’s operations in 2025 are below: