Criminal Justice (Promotion of Restorative Justice) (Amendment) Bill 2023

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The proposal would make restorative justice easier to use at several stages of the criminal process. Courts could refer suitable cases to restorative justice before conviction or before sentencing, and in some cases charges could be dropped if that process resolves the matter; Gardaí and the Director of Public Prosecutions could also refer cases earlier and reconsider whether prosecution is needed. It also says that taking part in restorative justice should not be used as proof of guilt.

Formal long title

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.

Last updated 8 September 2025