Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli today met a delegation from the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

This institute, based in The Hague, is one of the world’s leading forensic laboratories, whereby sophisticated laboratory analyses for actual and preventive criminal cases are carried out. Several countries seek assistance, advice and training from this internationally reputable institute. 

The Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties is committed to enhance laboratory services provision in Malta through collaboration with various stakeholders. An initiative has recently been taken, following a call for expression of interest to establish a state-of-the-art DNA/Toxicology Laboratory at the Malta Life Sciences Centre.

Minister Dalli discussed also the way forward to identify possible areas of cooperation in forensic investigation, including the promotion of quality standards for scene of crime investigations, addressing accreditation and training requirements, and the exchange of knowledge pertaining to criminal investigations, especially those related to laboratory work. This collaboration is being sought to achieve excellence, transparency, independence and accreditation in line with European norms.

The Dutch delegation is composed of Judy van Overveld, manager, Gerard Stor who is the head of the department for scene of crime and Marcel van Beest, expert scene of crime.

Dutch Ambassador to Malta Joop Nijssen accompanied the Dutch delegation.