20th February 2007
241. Mr. O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to establish the working group on restorative justice; his views on the particular interest in this initiative in Tallaght where there is a very successful restorative justice service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6430/07]
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): As the Deputy will be aware, I view Restorative Justice as an important element in the way we deal with offending behaviour. I am committed to fostering and developing further such initiatives over time. We must, of course, learn from the experience of how restorative justice has worked both here in Ireland - in Tallaght and Nenagh - and also look to international developments so that future expansion of the restorative justice model will be guided by best practice. I can advise the Deputy that I will be making an announcement regarding a review of Restorative Justice in the coming weeks.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.