The controversial DNA testing procedure criticised by the Omagh bomb trial judge is scientifically sound, a British government review concluded today.
Low Template DNA was fit for purpose and robust but was not being effectively used, the Home Office-sponsored review said.
The controversial technique, also known as Low Copy DNA profiling, enables scientists to produce profiles from samples containing very few cells.
It targets areas where it is believed an offender may have transferred DNA through touch, such as the residue believed to have come from cells such as skin or sweat left in a fingerprint.
The PSNI stopped its use after electrician Seán Hoey was acquitted of murdering 29 people in the Omagh bombing in 1998, which was Northern Ireland's deadliest single terrorist attack.
Mr Hoey (38) had been accused of engineering the car bomb. But in acquitting him, Justice Reg Weir attacked the forensic evidence presented in the case.
During the 56-day trial, prosecution and defence lawyers wrangled over whether DNA evidence was reliable enough to form the basis of a conviction.
The review, lead by scientist Professor Brian Caddy, concluded however that it was indeed safe. The Caddy Review also made 21 recommendations for improving the use of the testing.
"I am satisfied that Low Template DNA is fit for purpose within the criminal justice system," he said in a statement. "I found that the technique, as developed by all the forensic suppliers, is scientifically robust and appropriate for use in police investigations."
Andrew Rennison, the independent Forensic Science Regulator, also said in a statement: "There is clearly work to be done to develop a coherent standards framework that is transparent, accessible and used across all the facets of forensic science. "As the regulator, I am responsible for setting and monitoring standards in the use of forensic science."
He said he would conduct regular reviews.
PA