Restorative justice

Sir, – Conor Gallagher is right to highlight in his article on restorative justice the need for caution in its application in respect of sexual and domestic violence ("Beware the dangers of restorative justice", January 29th).

There is a risk, however, that in focusing on such serious offences, the potential of restorative justice in relation to the vast majority of offending is overlooked. This would be a pity.

The National Commission on Restorative Justice, chaired by Judge Mary Martin, completed a comprehensive study of restorative justice in 2009, identified significant benefits and made numerous recommendations, including its application in all parts of the country, for both adult and youth offenders, for relatively serious offences, at different stages of the criminal process and using a variety of approaches.

The commission outlined benefits for victims, offenders, communities and the State, once adequate procedural safeguards and standards were in place.

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Unfortunately, the economic downturn effectively ruled out any significant introduction of restorative justice. The government of the day welcomed the commission’s report and endorsed its recommendations but the immediate follow-up was limited and progress since then has been slow.

The case for restorative justice is as strong now as it was seven years ago, and the time is surely right for another look at the commission’s report.

Irish and international research and experience show real benefits to society from adopting restorative approaches.

I hope it will be on the agenda of the next government, whatever its composition. – Yours, etc,

KIERAN O’DWYER, PhD

Two-Mile-Borris,

Thurles,

Co Tipperary.