Sir, My friend, Fr Brian Lennon SJ, argues ably for justice as an essential component in reconciliation ("Rite and Reason," February 25th), being, like many of today's Jesuits, conscientised about justice through the heroic witness of the Latin American Church. While agreeing with much that he has written, I would question one or two of his statements.
It is not as clear to everyone else that imprisonment of a wrongdoer contains an element of punishment certainly, not so long ago it was said to be mainly for their containment and for the protection of society. Penal reformers were, I thought, wary of the idea of retribution of allowing the rest of the community to take a punitive stance.
In this administration in theory anyway since the foundation of the State and for some years before it, the emphasis has been on deterrence and security rather than on retribution, and succeeding Acts have concentrated mainly on the notion of rehabilitation of offenders. (The Irish Penal System Commission Report Chairman Sean MacBride, SC).
I mention this as it seems very important that any movement towards forgiveness and reconciliation does not become unduly delayed by a perception that justice must, at the same time, be part of the deal. The elder brother of the Prodigal Son became sadly hung up on the apparent injustice to himself, and so unfortunately the party had to go on without him. Yours, etc.,
Castle Court,
Booterstown,
Co Dublin.