Restorative justice - Scheme a deterrent for youth

WITH the country’s prisons jammed with criminals, the proposal for a restorative justice programme as an alternative to putting people behind bars is sure to attract broad political and public support.

Obviously, with an election looming, it is opportune for politicians to resume the battle against criminality. There can be no doubt that measure aimed at combating Ireland’s upsurge of violent crime will figure high on the agenda of every right thinking person.

This lends considerable weight to yesterday’s report from the cross-party Oireachtas Justice Committee calling for the introduction of restorative justice on lines which have worked abroad.