In May 2021, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Policy group invited RJS4C to contribute their expertise, knowledge, experience and network to support the delivery of commitments  in the Department of Justice Action Plan 2021. Their focus was on Action 160: “Develop options for an appropriate mechanism and process to create awareness and availability of restorative justice at all stages of the criminal justice system with consistency of service ensuring quality in training and practice (Q3)”.

In support of this, RJS4C wrote a briefing for the Criminal justice Strategic Committee articulating the attributes of a successful restorative justice service, and setting out some of the options available to develop restorative justice in Ireland. This briefing was presented to the Criminal Justice Strategic Committee at its meeting on June 3rd 2021.

You can download and read the briefing to the Criminal Justice Strategic Committee here.

In July 2021, RJS4C will also support the Department of Justice in delivering on Action 161 from the 2021 Action Plan: “Consult with stakeholders on options and finalise a policy paper on the most appropriate choice (Q3)”. Please save the date for these consultations, which will take place over Zoom on July 1st (11:00-13:00) and July 7th (16:30-18:30). The two sessions will be the same, so there is no need to attend both.

We will publish and circulate the registration links for both sessions, as well as the questions we will ask participants and the materials we will present, in the coming days. We will also public and circulate an email address to which you can make a written submission in response to our questions, if you are not able to attend either day.