HET allocated £3million for forensic work

Justice Minister David Ford outlined the expenditure in response to an Assembly Question.

Asked if he would consider additional funding for HET, Mr Ford said he believed it had enough money to perform its function at present but that he would consider making more funds available if the need arose.

“I view the work of the Historical Enquiries Team as critically important. I believe that it has been resourced sufficiently to complete its task but will consider seriously any request for additional resources, should that prove necessary to enable the Team to conclude all cases within its remit,” he stated.

The Minister said forensic investigation has been “very important in delivering a successful outcome in terms of convictions in HET cases.”

He claimed modern forensic techniques offered the HET the opportunity to reinvestigate crimes in ways that would have been impossible previously.

“These advances include, amongst others, enhanced microscopic ballistics examination, improved instrumental analysis methods and, most prominently, DNA analysis.

“However, there are many factors other than forensic evidence alone that impact upon the rate of convictions.

“Although relatively few cases have been brought to judicial proceedings, those cases which have been brought, have, by and large, been as a result of forensic investigation.

“The HET forensic budget forms part of the overall budget. However the HET has separate arrangements with Forensic Science Northern Ireland, and since its formation the HET has assigned £3,060,000 for forensic work. The total amount spent to date for forensic work is £1,588,898,” Mr Ford explained.