Restorative justice referrals in Ireland reached a record 1,030 cases last year, a 22% increase from the previous year, according to research by Maynooth University and the Probation Service. The study also found that victim-offender dialogue increased by 36%, with 185 cases involving direct or indirect communication between victims and offenders.
What do the latest restorative justice statistics show?
The number of referrals made by courts and the Probation Service rose to a record high of 1,030 last year. This follows a period of decline during the Covid-19 pandemic, with figures having climbed steadily since then.
Of the completed cases, at least 185 involved direct or indirect dialogue. This is an increase from the 136 such cases recorded in 2024. In other completed cases, many involved offences without direct victims, while in some instances, victims declined to participate or could not be contacted by providers.
Research data, which began being recorded annually in 2019, shows that there were 721 restorative justice referrals in that year.
Why are restorative justice services expanding?
The Probation Service is currently following an action plan to ensure these services are available in every county in Ireland. Last year, specialist restorative justice projects were launched for the first time in Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth.
Fíona Ní Chinnéide, Deputy Director of the Probation Service, said the increase in referrals is “welcome and hugely positive.” She noted that the service aims to repair harm, promote desistance from crime, and improve community safety.
“This will be hugely beneficial, as restorative justice is a safe and mediated space for those who have been impacted by crime to seek answers and express how they have been affected,” Ní Chinnéide said.
Ní Chinnéide also stated that the process provides a controlled environment for those who have caused harm to understand the impact of their actions, which could help them reintegrate after serving their sentences.
How is restorative justice being used with young people?
The study also examined An Garda Síochána’s use of restorative justice in relation to youth cautions. Data indicates there were 369 restorative youth cautions in 2025, representing a 23.8% increase from the 298 cautions recorded in 2024.
Six community-based organisations currently offer these services alongside the Probation Service. These include the Athy Alternative Project, the Cornmarket Project, Le Chéile Mentoring, Northwest Restorative Justice Service, Restorative Justice in the Community, and Restorative Justice Services.
What is the future of restorative justice funding?
Budget 2026 has provided a 13% increase in funding for the Probation Service. The Department of Justice stated that this additional funding could be used to expand restorative justice services and supervised temporary release schemes across the country.
The Department also intends to use the funds to increase the use of supervised community sanctions in criminal courts. Dr. Ian Marder, Associate Professor in Criminology at Maynooth University, suggested that further investment may be necessary to provide more opportunities for victims and offenders to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many restorative justice cases were recorded last year?
A record 1,030 cases were referred by courts and the Probation Service last year.
Which new counties received specialist restorative justice projects last year?
Specialist projects were provided for the first time in Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth.
What are the main goals of the Probation Service regarding restorative justice?
The aims include repairing harm, promoting desistance from crime, and making communities safer.
Do you believe restorative justice should be a standard part of the criminal justice system?
