James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Restorative justice is one of a suite of measures available to the criminal justice system. Restorative justice practices take different forms, founded on the principle of consent, and aim to enable those affected by an offence to participate actively in repairing the harm done and find a positive way forward. 

At present, restorative justice is delivered by the Probation Service both pre-sentence and post-sentence; by An Garda Síochána, within the Garda Youth Diversion Programme; and by Community-Based Organisations that receive referrals at specific points in the criminal justice process.

It is already an important part of the work of the Probation Service, which established a National Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit in 2018. 

There are two projects in receipt of Probation Service funding that provide dedicated restorative justice interventions in response to requests from the Court. The Restorative Justice Service in the Greater Dublin Area and Restorative Justice in the Community in the Laois, Offaly and Tipperary region. A number of other projects also provide restorative justice interventions as part of a wider suite of services to offenders.

In Budget 2023, the Probation Service was allocated additional funding to support the development of capacity in community-based organisations to facilitate restorative justice services.

To progress the Programme for Government commitment on restorative justice the Review of Policy Options for Prison and Penal Reform 2022-2024 specifically commits to publishing policy proposals to create awareness and availability of restorative justice at all stages of the criminal justice system.

Further, actions relating to developing restorative justice in Ireland have been identified in each of the three most recent Justice Plans, most recently Justice Plan 2023.

Work on policy proposals in this regard has been ongoing, and I hope to publish a policy paper shortly.

Further, in terms of legislating in this area, my Department has commenced a policy review of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014. As part of this review, due consideration is being given to providing a statutory basis for restorative justice as an option at certain points during the criminal justice system. Consideration of this matter is ongoing, and I hope to publish the report of the review shortly.