287 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made since the publication of the first report by the Restorative Justice Commission; and the timeframe for when he will publish the final report. [21649/09]

An Interim Report from the National Commission on Restorative Justice was published on the 21st May, 2008. I expect to receive the final report from the National Commission shortly. These two reports will inform future decisions on how we may be able to make greater use of the restorative justice process. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will give careful consideration to the Commission's work in this area.

As the Deputy will be aware the two pilot project schemes currently operating in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary and in Tallaght are funded by my Department, through the Probation Service.