The government has unveiled an ambitious two-year action plan to dramatically increase face-to-face meetings between criminals and their victims, aiming to expand restorative justice programmes that currently reach fewer than 1% of court cases.
The Probation Service has set targets to increase court referrals to restorative justice programmes by 10% annually over three years, potentially tripling the number of cases from the current baseline of fewer than 400 annually.
Current System Barely Scratches Surface
Restorative justice programmes allow victims to meet their offenders in controlled settings alongside trained professionals, giving victims the opportunity to explain the impact of crimes and receive answers to their questions. However, these programmes remain severely underutilized across Ireland’s justice system.
Dr Ian Marder, assistant professor in criminology at Maynooth University, described the current situation as “barely scratching the surface of the potential of restorative justice.” His research shows that fewer than 400 cases were referred to programmes in 2023, despite over 320,000 cases passing through the courts.
“These targets are achievable, but we’re starting from a very low baseline,” Marder explained, emphasizing that significant investment increases are needed to make services available to all who might benefit.
Projected Growth Still Limited
Based on the 10% annual increase target, the Probation Service could handle just under 1,500 restorative justice cases between 2025 and 2027. While representing substantial growth, this would still serve only a tiny fraction of overall court cases.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan highlighted an additional €4 million allocated to the Probation Service in Budget 2025, which will support restorative justice services among other programmes. The funding forms part of the Programme for Government’s commitment to continuing the nationwide rollout of restorative justice programmes.
Political Support with Reservations
Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Matt Carthy welcomed the action plan while urging that the 10% increase not be viewed as an upper limit. He emphasized the need for continued government funding, particularly for community-based organizations facilitating these programmes.
“In the broadest terms, I welcome the publication of the action plan and that it’s seen that the Probation Service is taking seriously its commitments to restorative justice,” Carthy said.
Implementation Challenges Remain
The action plan acknowledges that many victims remain unaware that restorative justice programmes exist, as referrals must come through judges or gardaí. There are no immediate plans to recruit additional staff, with officials confident that existing capacity can handle increased referrals with proper training.
Some organizations have already begun expanding following funding increases last year, with Marder suggesting that additional resources may help extend services to new counties.
Expert Calls for Greater Investment
Despite welcoming the targets, Marder stressed that the investment needs to increase by “many multiples” before restorative justice becomes accessible to everyone who might benefit from these programmes.
“It is really important to increase referrals to restorative justice because most people affected by crime are still not being offered the chance to participate, even where services exist,” he told The Journal.
The two-year plan represents Ireland’s most concerted effort to mainstream restorative justice within the broader criminal justice system, though critics argue the scale of expansion remains modest given the vast unmet demand for these services.