GEMME Ireland: Restorative justice in Ireland: The role of the courts in maximising accessibility

Tea/coffee welcome: 4.15pm

Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger, Chairperson, GEMME Ireland, will welcome all to the event.

Chair: His Honour Judge Paul Kelly, President of the District Court

Speakers:

• Dr Ian Marder (Maynooth University, School of Law and Criminology)
• Rachel Lillis (Probation Service, Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit)
• Emeline Le Prince (Restorative Justice Services)

This event explores the role of the judiciary in maximising the accessibility of restorative justice, in accordance with European and Irish law. First, Dr Ian Marder (Maynooth University, School of Law and Criminology) will explore the legal framework and international research on access to restorative justice. This part will consider the meaning of accessibility in law and the research on the referral and assessment process, as well as the types of cases where there is the highest potential benefit of enabling restorative justice, and the importance of RJ services having full access to victim information. Second, Rachel Lillis (Probation Service, Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit) and Emeline Le Prince (Restorative Justice Services) will discuss each of these issues in an Irish context. Their part of the presentation will clarify the models of restorative justice available in Ireland, the process by which the judiciary can refer cases, and the importance of restorative justice accessibility. They will present several real-life cases to illustrate the benefits and procedures of different restorative justice models, including in cases where there is or is not a direct victim of the offence. The event will be of interest to members of the judiciary and court actors who are interested in understanding more about the benefits and process of restorative justice and its relationship with court.

Rachel Lillis, Assistant Principal Probation Officer, Probation Service. Rachel is a CORU registered social worker with over 20 years of experience in a variety of community and custodial settings. Rachel has lead responsibility for the Restorative Justice and Victim Services Unit, which provides leadership and support for the consistent and integrated provision of a range of RJ models and oversees engagement and support to victims of crime. Rachel also holds the brief for a newly established Social Inclusion and Reintegration Unit.

Dr. Ian Marder is Assistant Professor in Criminology and Co-Deputy Director of the Centre for Criminology at Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology. His research and policy and practice development work focuses on the development of restorative justice and restorative practices in criminal justice processes in Ireland and across Europe.

Emeline Le Prince is the Service Manager in Dublin Restorative Justice Services which is a non-for-profit organisation that works restoratively with people affected by crime. In partnership with its stakeholders the Service offer restorative programmes that focus on meeting the needs of victims of crime whilst challenging the behaviour of those who offend.

This is a hybrid event with attendees having the option to attend in-person or join virtually. Please register on the links below.

Competency Domain Addressed: Advocacy, Dispute Resolution and Negotiation

CPD points: 1.5

Accessibility Requirements:  *At the Bar of Ireland we wish for our events to be as welcoming, accessible and inclusive for all. Please provide us if comfortable with any accessibility related considerations so that we can endeavour to ensure a barrier free experience during the event. Email events@lawlibrary.ie to discuss your needs.