Sinn Féin’s Seán Crowe TD and Seanadóir Trevor Ó Clochartaigh with the new CDI Evaluation Report

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the launch of an evaluation report of the Restorative Practice Programme of the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI).

Crowe said that the Programme fulfilled a number of strategic objectives and it’s important that the Government takes heed of the positive outcomes outlined in the report.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I would like to congratulate and thank CDI for running this innovative and ground breaking Restorative Practice Programme in Tallaght West.

“Restorative practice, according to experts, is the science of restoring and developing social capital, social discipline, emotional well-being and civic participation through participatory learning and decision-making.

“This evaluation report shows that the programme had a positive impact on the community of Tallaght West and it may prove transformative for not only the community, but for many individuals and schools.

“This report supports the view that Restorative Practice as an approach can enable effective management of conflict, improve individual and organisational capacity to manage difficulties, and offers the opportunity for a common pathway and collective language in difficult or everyday disputes.

“Tallaght West has suffered more than its fair share of negative news and hardship over the years. This is a good news story for its residents, communities and its children.

“It is important that the Government takes on board the findings of this report and that it is not shelved and left to gather dust, like others.

“Well done to all those involved in the evaluation and work.”

ENDS