Register now: Department of Justice/RJS4C consultation on restorative justice services in Ireland (1st & 7th July)
21st June 2021

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, RJS4C will also support the Department 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)”. We are please to say that registration is now open for two consultation sessions. These will be the same, so you only need to attend one of them. Ensure that you click through – your registration is not confirmed until you click ‘submit’ on the final page.

The briefing document which we presented to the Criminal Justice Strategic Committee will form the basis for the consultation, which will involve asking participants questions about the attributes of a successful restorative justice service identified, and the merits of the different options in relation to different sectors, the wider criminal justice system and the national need regarding the development of restorative justice. Thanks so much to everyone who has participated in RJS4C’s work so far, all of which informed the development of these options.

If you are not able to attend either event but would like to make a submission to the consultation, please email Tim Hurley from the Department of Justice on TXHurley@justice.ie to do so.

This is a great opportunity to influence and support the development of restorative justice in Ireland in the coming years. Please sign up for one of the consultations, and share them widely among your colleagues and interested parties to help us maximise stakeholder involvement in this part of the process.