An interim report from the National Commission on Restorative Justice has recommended the extension of restorative caution schemes into inner city areas and the tracking of criminal cases through the justice system.
The report, published by Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern, also highlighted a number of issues which he commission needs to further examined before the introduction of restorative justice, such as how successful it is in helping to reduce the number of reoffenders and how it can meet the needs of victims, offenders and communities affected by crime.
Restorative justice refers to programmes and initiatives that aim to repair the harm caused by crime through the participation and possible reconciliation of victims, offenders and the wider community. It gives offenders the chance to make amends to the community or victim for their wrongdoing.
Restorative justice measures can include mediation between victims and offenders, conferencing and sentencing circles, which are used to help develop consensus on a sentencing plan that is both appropriate and addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
The Commission highlighted the need for certain information, including the tracking of criminal cases through the system, from offence to the courts, to ensure that the best quality information on which policies could be formulated was available. It also recommended the extension of the adult cautioning scheme currently in effect to include a restorative dimension.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Mr Ahern said it was important that there was good evidence to support the concept of restorative justice, and that it was important to be responsive to the needs of victims
"We must look at all aspects and come to a clear view on how restorative justice might be applied in this jurisdiction," said Mr Ahern.
The Commission is due to make its final report in 2009.