The national forensic institute NFI in Rijswijk is pressing ahead with scrapping several specialisms despite protests that this will have a severe impact on criminal investigations.

The NFI wants to save money by stopping research on paint, hair and handwriting, saying this is not only expensive but can be carried out by the private sector.

However, external experts and the NFI’s own works council says the move may damage criminal investigations, broadcaster Nos says on Thursday.

The justice ministry has decided to slash the institute’s budget, with the cuts reaching €9m a year by 2018.

Experts say that by cutting departments, valuable knowledge will be lost. It is also doubtful that the commercial sector will see money to be made in taking over the work.

The cuts still have to be approved by parliament and MPs are holding a hearing on the plans later on Thursday. They will debate the decision next week.