Madam, - It may be of interest to David Hanson MP (January 27th), Garret FitzGerald and others involved in the current debate concerning restorative justice schemes in Northern Ireland that there are currently two "community" restorative justice services operating in the Republic, one in Tallaght and the other in Nenagh. These services are fully funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
In our efforts to reflect the true ethos of restorative justice, we provide programmes which actively encourage the participation of some of the key stakeholders within the criminal justice process - probation and welfare service, community representatives, An Garda Síochána and victim advocates. We also work closely with the courts, notably Tallaght District Court and Nenagh District Court.
My organisation believes that working in this spirit of partnership and inclusivity with these stakeholders is the most effective and appropriate way to ensure that justice is administered in a measured, accountable and transparent fashion.
Perhaps most importantly, it also provides an active role and meaningful outcome to those most affected - victims and offenders. - Yours, etc,
PETER KEELEY, Director, Restorative Justice Services, Tallaght Business Park, Dublin 24.