Official form guide
Form 31.5 Notice Of Application - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System)Act 2014(No.11 Of 2014) Criminal Justice(Mutual Assistance)Act 2008 (No. 7 Of 2008)(The “Act Of 2008”) International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No. 30 of 2006)
Form 31.5 is a Notice of Application used in criminal cases that involve the Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System Act 2014, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, or the International Criminal Court Act 2006. It is filed with the Courts Service of Ireland when a party seeks a court order relating to forensic evidence, DNA data, or international cooperation.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 31.5 Notice Of Application - Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence And DNA Database System)Act 2014(No.11 Of 2014) Criminal Justice(Mutual Assistance)Act 2008 (No. 7 Of 2008)(The “Act Of 2008”) International Criminal Court Act 2006 (No. 30 of 2006)
Form 31.5 is a Notice of Application used in criminal cases that involve the Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System Act 2014, the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, or the International Criminal Court Act 2006. It is filed with the Courts Service of Ireland when a party seeks a court order relating to forensic evidence, DNA data, or international cooperation.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is omitting the specific Act citation, which leads to an automatic rejection.
- 2Leaving the Act reference blank or incorrect
- 3Failing to attach required supporting documents
- 4Using the wrong court registry address
- 5Submitting after the hearing date
Plain English
If you need the court to give you permission to access DNA records, request forensic material, or ask for help from another country under the listed Acts, you fill out this form. It tells the court what you are asking for and why the law lets you ask for it.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the application should be filed before the court sets a date to consider the evidence request, usually at least 7 days in advance.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Glossary Terms
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What this form is for
- When requesting DNA database extracts under the 2014 Act.
- When seeking mutual legal assistance for forensic evidence under the 2008 Act.
- When applying for cooperation with the International Criminal Court under the 2006 Act.
- When a court order is needed to seize or analyse forensic material.
- When the request is part of a criminal trial or appeal.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting non‑forensic evidence
Covers general evidence orders
✓ Verify the evidence type first
Applying for a protection order
Different legal basis
✓ Use only for personal protection matters
International extradition request
Extradition, not evidence
✓ Confirm jurisdiction before proceeding
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the application should be filed before the court sets a date to consider the evidence request, usually at least 7 days in advance.
Before you submit
- 1Applicant name and contact details entered correctly
- 2Correct case number and court listed
- 3Accurate Act citation (2014, 2008, or 2006)
- 4Clear description of the forensic/DNA material sought
- 5All required supporting documents attached
- 6Signature and date present
- 7Copy of the form retained for records
- 8Correct postage or e‑filing confirmation received
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form 31.5 from courts.ie
- 2Complete all fields in black ink or via the e‑form interface
- 3Attach any court orders, agreements, or international assistance letters
- 4Sign and date the form
- 5Send by post to the appropriate court registry, deliver in person, or upload via e‑filing
- 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgement of filing
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover requests for non‑DNA forensic evidence outside the listed Acts
- 2Electronic filing may be limited to solicitors with a Courts Service account
- 3Only applicable to criminal matters, not civil or family cases
- 4No provision for anonymous applications
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 31.5 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced, but check the Courts Service site for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the Act reference section for updates.
- Confirm the court registry address matches the current layout.
- Verify if electronic signatures are now accepted.
- Ensure the attached annex list reflects the latest supporting documents required.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from user input
- SRCIssuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from form header
- SRCActs referenced in form name (2014, 2008, 2006) identified from public legislation titles
- SRCSubmission methods based on typical Courts Service procedures
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline requirements
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: electronic signature acceptance
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific supporting document list
Common confusion points
Mixing up the 2014 DNA Act with the 2008 Mutual Assistance Act
Unclear whether to send the form to the District Court or Central Criminal Court
Whether an electronic copy suffices without a hard‑copy signature
What qualifies as “supporting documentation” for each Act
How to reference multiple Acts in a single application
Timing of the filing relative to the trial schedule
Source transparency
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