I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Criminal Justice (Victims of Crime) Act 2017 to permit and encourage courts to refer cases to restorative justice schemes between charge and conviction, and to dismiss charges if appropriate; to encourage courts to refer cases to restorative justice schemes between conviction and sentencing; to permit and encourage An Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions to refer cases to restorative justice schemes between charge and court, and to review the decision to prosecute if appropriate; and to make related provisions.
I thank Dr. Ian Marder of Maynooth University for his advice and guidance on this legislation. I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for facilitating it. I also thank the Bills Office and Lee Daly in my office. We would not be here without their help. Obviously, An Garda Síochána has to address crime, the causes of crime and the fear of crime. I am hopeful that restorative justice can take place at any point in the criminal process. The idea is it will address and repair the harm done by the offence through dialogue and reparation with others, and that it will address the harm done to people through face-to-face conversation and communication. It is important to remember that studies have consistently shown there is a 85% satisfaction rate with restorative justice among victims.
The victims of crime legislation from 2017 allows a lot of discretion for judges. It is hoped that this Bill will clarify the processes and procedures, give victims closure, improve victim recovery and satisfaction rates, and maybe avoid penal sentences through helping offender rehabilitation and ending recidivism, which will free up an overburdened court and prison system. I look forward to engaging with the Department of Justice regarding the Bill. I am open to its implementation. I had some experience of this on an ad hoc basis in a previous existence. I hope that will help in relation to this Bill.
