Cash boost for community schemes

Mr Goggins announced the funding

Restorative justice schemes are to receive a £600,000 cash boost.

Over the next three years the money will be invested in accredited community based projects (CBRJ).

Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins announced the new funding package, which is a joint venture between the NIO and the Atlantic Philanthrophies.

"CBRJ schemes have shown that they can fulfil a valuable role in working with victims and offenders in the aftermath of low level crime," he said.

An annual funding package of £200,000 will be available to support accredited CBRJ schemes from the current financial year to 2010/11.

The Atlantic Philanthropies is an international, independent foundation which works with disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

It has actively supported the work of CBRJ schemes in Northern Ireland for nearly 10 years.

Martin O'Brien from Atlantic Philanthropies said he was glad "mainstream support" was being provided for restorative justive.

"It has already been established that community-based restorative justice has played a significant role in promoting the peaceful resolution of conflicts in local communities," he said.

"We believe that it can make a valuable contribution to building a more stable society in Northern Ireland."