Mr. Paul O'Donnell:

I think it is important to continue to work with people, particularly at a young age, when they relapse or reoffend. It is important to provide safety for them when that relapse occurs. At times, participants may relapse and we continue to provide intervention. I also feel that although people may go to prison, we need to keep the connection there when they are serving a sentence. It is important to continue to engage with them pre-release and post-release with a view to reintegration back into the community once the sentence is served. The link must be maintained.

In terms of younger participants, I see restorative justice initiatives as important. There was a specific participant who offended and participated in a restorative justice practice.

I would say he was able to maintain his employment and move beyond the issue. I know I have not answered Deputy Finian McGrath's question directly but I would say it is important to continue to engage with people when they reoffend and relapse.