Dáil committee seeks greater use of restorative justice
03/01/2007 - 08:37:45The Oireachtas Justice Committee is recommending the greater use of so-called "restorative justice" as an alternative to prison sentences.
In a report out today, the committee says such schemes have worked well on a pilot basis and should be used more frequently in the case first-time offenders who commit less serious crimes.
Restorative justice involves offenders holding talks with victims, their families and friends to examine the effect of their actions and find ways to make amends.
Supporters say evidence from abroad show that it helps to cut the rate of re-offending, especially among younger people.
