Restorative justice in the Republic of Ireland: reports, recommendations and developments

In December 2009 the Final Report of the National Commission on Restorative Justice (NCRJ) was published. The NCRJ stated that the introduction of restorative justice into the Irish criminal justice system would provide “a positive contribution to the lives of all citizens, especially those connected to offending behaviour.” Over three years have passed since the NCRJ presented its Final Report. Up to this point restorative justice in Ireland has been legislated for at a youth justice level only. At an adult level, restorative justice operates through two local community schemes in Nenagh in County Tipperary, and Tallaght in south Dublin. This paper will review the work undertaken by the NCRJ as well as outlining the development of restorative justice in Ireland at a youth justice level (as per the Children Act 2001) and an adult level. The authors will also critically examine what has happened since the NCRJ recommended that “ a restorative perspective be introduced nationally into the Irish criminal justice system.