A new DNA laboratory was inaugurated by the prime minister today in what was described as an important link in the Malta Laboratories Network.

Speaking during a visit to the new facility at the Life Sciences Park in San Ġwann,Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli said the network would bring local forensic science and other practices up to the best international standards.

She said the government had also entered into a relationship with a local laboratory which would carry out toxicology and criminal forensic tests to be used by the police and the courts.  

“While we used to have to send samples abroad for testing, now we will have the facility to do so locally,” she said.

The government had also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands Forensic Institute, which will next week begin training the local police force on the latest in crime scene science.

Describing the institute as “the best in Europe” Dr Dalli said it would also be carrying out other work such as the testing for harmful pesticides in water for the Water Services Corporation.

The network of laboratories aims to provide a focal point for the industry on the island, fostering cooperation between different sectors.. The network had been primarily set up for the exchange of information, training, quality management, IT developments and sharing of best practices.

Dr Dalli said the network would focus on the development, co-ordination and consistency of laboratory services in Malta, ensuring the most effective and efficient use of resources across the network.

This would also gather all different players together for collaborative work, both to be used by government and the private sector.