Minister Shatter welcomes Palestinian Officials Study Visit to Ireland on Forensic Science

Palestinian officials have undertaken a study visit to Ireland, the aim of which was to focus on good governance practices within a modern forensic science laboratory. The EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) sponsored the visit.

Speaking today, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, said, “Last March, during my St. Patrick’s Day Visit to the Middle East, I met with the Justice Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Ali Muhanna, who outlined his proposals for reform of the Justice system. At this time, I advised that Ireland would be happy to share our experience and knowledge with him and his officials should they wish to visit Ireland at any stage.

“This week, members of the Palestinian Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Interior concluded a four-day study visit to Ireland, which was hosted by the Forensic Science Laboratory of Ireland. The aim of this visit was to have in-depth exposure to the operation of a forensic science laboratory in Ireland with a view to enhancing the capacity for the better use of forensic science in the Palestinian criminal justice system. Officials also visited the Garda Technical Bureau, the State Pathologist, Office of the DPP and the Criminal Courts during their visit.

“While in the Middle East, I visited the headquarters of EUPOL COPPS in Palestine which supports capacity building in relation to policing and the rule of law. I welcome the fact that this study-trip took place and that Palestinian officials had the opportunity to visit and learn about our approach in this important area. I hope that this will pave the way for further visits where we can share our expertise in areas such as policing and the rule of law in the future.”