IPRT advocates for consistency in national availability, use and operation of restorative justice options nationwide.
Restorative justice focuses on the harm when a crime has been committed, rather than looking at what laws or rules have been broken. Participation is on a voluntary basis.
In restorative justice, victims are given a chance to ask questions and to make the offender aware of the effect of their actions. The chance to receive an apology for the victim and gain forgiveness for the offender can have beneficial effects on both parties.
Restorative justice practices offer a more re-integrative approach to how we treat offenders, and community involvement can help to deal with the root causes of the criminal behaviour and reduce recidivism.
Restorative justice for children is provided for by statute for children by way of the Children Act 2001.
Restorative justice practices for adults in Ireland are provided by organisations such as Restorative Justice in the Community and Restorative Justice Services. For more about the practice and services, please visit their websites.
14th June 2019
This new cross-European venture aims to help embed restorative justice and restorative practices within the Irish criminal justice system. Read for information on how to join the Stakeholder Group.
20th February 2018
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2016'
25th January 2017
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'The Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2015'.
14th December 2016
Established in 2005, Facing Forward supports the introduction of restorative approaches to Ireland based on best practice that has emerged in other countries.
12th December 2016
The UK Ministry of Justice released an action plan in 2014 with the aim of making restorative justice practices available at all stages of the criminal justice system.
22nd March 2016
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2014’.
31st December 2014
This Australian Institute of Criminology report describes the Australian approach to restorative justice.
22nd March 2014
The Department of Justice and Equality has published the 'Annual Report of the Committee Appointed to Monitor the Effectiveness of the Diversion Programme 2013’.
30th April 2010
This report from the European Forum for Restorative Justice sets out best practices and approaches to restorative justice in Europe.
30th June 2009
This report from June 2009 sets out the status of restorative justice in Ireland.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.