Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware Restorative justice is one of a suite of measures available to the criminal justice system.

It is delivered by the Probation Service, both pre 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.

I have been advised by the Probation Services that the estimated operating cost of the Restorative Justice & Victims Services Unit per year is €233,556.47. In addition to direct support and training provided by the Restorative Justice and Victims Services Unit, the Probation Service provides €637,500 in funding to four community-based organisations to provide dedicated restorative justice programmes.

In Budget 2023, the Probation Service was allocated additional funding of €1m to support the development of capacity in community-based organisations to facilitate restorative justice services.

In relation to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLOs) facilitate Restorative Justice in respect of children who have committed a criminal offence and following consideration by the Garda Youth Diversion Bureau (GYDB) are admitted to the Diversion Programme and a Restorative Caution is delivered as part of that process.

An Garda Síochána have advised that it is not possible to provide details as to the costs incurred, including training of JLOs in respect of restorative justice, as they are not captured on a separate cost code.