Mr Justice Gerard Haughton who resigned from the Drug Court early last week, but withdrew his resignation four days later, says he changed his mind because of public support.
Speaking on News at One yesterday, Judge Haughton said "The support I got from the participants and from many others throughout the country is part of the reason why I am back, and I am grateful for that support. I was amazed at the extent of the interest and the support for the Drug Court and the participants."
Judge Haughton said the decision of the Judicial Studies Institute (JSI) not to sanction his attendance at the Drug Court Professionals Conference in America "came as a surprise" but he now "respects it" and doesn't seek to "query it in any way."
The JSI said it couldn't sanction his attendance because it was unable to free up a judge for five days due to the "extremely busy" District Court lists. Yesterday, Judge Haughton said the issues that had arisen have been "amicably resolved", and he was "pleased" to continue his work in the Drug Court.
He said his decision to withdraw his resignation followed separate meetings with both the president of the High Court and the president of the District Court.
Judge Haughton said he would not be attending the conference in question - in Milwaukee in June, and he declined to give his reasons for deciding not to go. He made it clear however, that he would be attending future conferences.
"The profile of our Drug Court is very high and I have no doubt that I will be at future conferences."
Judge Haughton had been invited to make a special presentation at the US conference because of the success of the pilot project.
His team in the Drug Court will be making the presentation in his absence.
Questioned as to why he decided not to go, Judge Haughton said: "There are issues that have been resolved and I am not going to go into."
The pilot Drug Court was set up three years ago, and is widely regarded as successful, despite its limited resources.
"The first participant in the programme graduated two years ago this month. He was 32-years-old when he came to the Drug Court. Between the age of 16 and 32, he had spent eight years in prison. Since he graduated he hasn't re-offended and hasn't relapsed. He is also working."
Judge Haughton said the problem of drugs is widespread, but the problem of alcohol abuse is even more serious.
"It doesn't have the same profile because it's not illegal. But I do think it's time to consider using the principle of closely monitored programmes for alcohol abuse."