The State Laboratory provides a forensic toxicology service to assist Coroners and the State Pathologist to investigate the causes of unexpected death by analysing post mortem samples to confirm the presence or absence of ethanol, legal and illegal drugs and other toxic substances. The levels of substances detected are also quantified.

The Laboratory also assists An Garda Síochána with criminal investigations (e.g. death in custody, murder and alleged drug facilitated sexual assault) where there is a need for confirmatory drug analysis on biological samples to form part of the files for the prosecution of individuals. Staff attend and give evidence on their findings in legal proceedings and in Coroners’ inquests as required.

Several recent reports have highlighted the marked increase and severity of Ireland’s drug abuse problem. Data collated by the Health Research Board over recent years shows a startling upward trend in polydrug use, involving a combination of alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription medication. The drug market is organised, lucrative and constantly evolving as demonstrated by the explosion of designer drugs in recent years.