Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

I welcome everything the Minister said and I am personally committed to the notion of restorative justice because there are some very good examples of where this works. However, I remain of the view that there is a role for community courts and the judges who would operate them. Such courts have very direct connections with the communities in which they are located. It is, after all, certain communities in particular areas which are plagued by what is termed low level crime, although that is not how those who live in such communities would categorise it, especially as their lives are being disturbed. To give offenders the opportunity to make amends to communities is the best way to put an end to the revolving door system.

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