Restorative justice system in place by 2010

THE Government yesterday announced a blueprint to introduce a system of restorative justice to Ireland by the end of the decade.

Tánaiste Michael McDowell announced he has set up a commission to examine the system which provides an alternative to prison and forces offenders to face up to the consequences of their behaviour.

The commission will be chaired by Judge Mary Martin, a vastly experienced district court judge from the midlands, an authority in the area who has been employing such methods on a non-statutory basis in her own courts.