1. European Forum for Restorative Justice National Commission for Restorative Justice Workshop Presentation

2. Introduction Establishment of the National Commission for Restorative Justice Membership of the Commission Commission’s Terms of Reference Role and objectives of the Commission

3. Setting the Scene Overview of Restorative Justice in Ireland – Restorative Justice at Juvenile Level – Pilot Projects – An Garda Síochána Adult Cautioning Scheme Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights Report on Restorative Justice

4. Presentation Focus Policy – Stages of the Criminal Justice Process – Offences – Offenders – Participation – Outcomes – Delivery of RJ – Training & Accreditation – Legislation – Cost Effectiveness Public – Consultation with Criminal Justice Agencies – Educating the Public-How? – Responding to the needs of Victims- How?

5. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues What Stage or Stages can Restorative Justice be delivered? – Pre-Charge – Pre-Conviction – Pre-Sentence – Post-Sentence

6. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Types of Offences – Minor to Serious Crimes? – Contemporary Research – Policy Implications Public Approval Public Perceptions Media Victim’s Interests

7. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Offenders – Who and Why? Policy Issues – Can Restorative Justice Impact Offender Recidivism? – Research to Date

8. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Participation – Admission of Responsibility – Coercive or Voluntary Participation? – Is Victim Participation Absolutely Necessary for Restorative Justice to be effective? – Recognising Offenders Remorse in the absence of the Victim

9. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Delivery of Restorative Justice – By Whom? Criminal Justice Agencies Private Sector Volunteers

10. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Training and Accreditation – Need For Standards – Flexibility and Innovation – Ongoing Commitment toward Development of Restorative Justice – Is there a need for a Restorative Justice Board?

11. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Grounding Restorative Justice in Legislation Why? Merits and Implications

12. Restorative Justice & Policy Issues Cost Effectiveness – Is Restorative Justice more cost effective than the traditional criminal justice system? – Policy Issues Legal Costs and Imprisonment Recidivism Can Prison Tackle the Underlying Causes of Crime Will Restorative Justice be perceived as a “Soft Option” for Offenders

13. Restorative Justice and the Public Consultation with Criminal Justice Agencies – Work of the Commission and Consultations with Criminal Justice Agencies An Garda Síochána Probation Service Prison Service Courts Other Bodies

14. Restorative Justice and the Public Educating the Public about Restorative Justice – Commissions Role – Educating the Public – How? Interim Report Community Interests Workshops, Seminars etc Media Case Studies

15. Restorative Justice and the Public Acknowledging the Needs of Victims – Two way process – How? – What Victims should be targeted? – What do victims want? – How can we address their needs? – Commissions work Surveys Questionnaires Workshops

16. Conclusion Concluding Remarks Questions