AQO 3091/22-27
Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down
Tabled Date: 29/01/2026
Answered On Date: 16/09/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline the key findings from the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy third annual report 2024-25.
Answer:
ANSWER to AQO 3091 22-27 The third annual progress report under the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy was published on 9 January 2026, covering the 2024/25 financial year. Significant progress has been made, including engaging stakeholders to inform the creation of a new Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework. This launched on 17 October 2025, alongside a new accreditation application process. This sets out the level of training and experience required by organisations and individuals to become accredited. The Adult Restorative Justice Strategy is committed to delivering restorative justice at every stage of the criminal justice system and this will directly contribute to that commitment. Much of the emphasis has been on the new Adult Restorative Justice arrangements that will first focus on diversionary cases that can be more appropriately dealt with as an out-of-court disposal. A multi-agency Restorative Justice Working Group, with statutory and voluntary partners, was heavily involved in the development of the Framework and continues to be engaged in progression of the Year 4 Action Plan and the phased expansion of adult restorative justice services locally. Legislative provision is being brought forward through the Justice Bill to provide for a transfer of accreditation functions from NIO to my Department. Several pieces of promotional material have also been developed, such as restorative justice information and preparation leaflets, in conjunction with Working Group members and experts by lived experience. A short, animated video has also been developed, that explains what restorative justice is and the potential benefits that it brings, as well as training videos for the new accreditation process.
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