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From:Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has welcomed the publication of the Dublin Drug Treatment Court (DTC) Evaluation Report and intends to implement the reforms necessary to ensure the Court can fully realise its potential as an evidence-led, problem-solving, drug treatment court.

The independent evaluation, undertaken by the Centre for Justice Innovation, found that while the DTC has significant potential to support recovery and reduce offending, reforms are needed to strengthen the model, increase referrals and align it more closely with evidence-based practice.

Welcoming the publication of the report, Minister O'Callaghan said:

"The Drug Treatment Court represents an important alternative to traditional criminal justice responses for people whose offending behaviour is linked to addiction. It aims to address the root causes of offending by providing participants with access to treatment, support and supervision in a structured environment.

“This report acknowledges the commitment of those involved in delivering the programme while also identifying a number of challenges that have limited its effectiveness and reach. I welcome these findings and I am committed to implementing the majority of the report's recommendations.

"The report makes clear that the Drug Treatment Court has significant potential to deliver better outcomes for individuals, communities and the wider justice system. My priority is to ensure that the Court operates as effectively as possible and that the necessary reforms are put in place to support its future development.”

An Implementation Board will oversee the introduction of the reforms to the DTC. The Board will examine the recommendations of the evaluation report to strengthen the Court's operation and improve outcomes for participants.

Since the evaluation was completed, a number of operational reforms have already been introduced, including changes to the Court's graduation framework and measures to increase awareness of the programme among members of the judiciary, which have contributed to an increase in referrals in recent months.

The full evaluation report can be foundhere.