Parallel Workshops
This session explores the Traveller Justice Initiative (TJI), a collaborative partnership between the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, Traveller organisations and community stakeholders aimed at improving outcomes for Travellers in the criminal justice system. The presentation will examine how cross-sector collaboration, equality monitoring, culturally responsive training, peer-support initiatives and family-focused interventions have informed policy and operational practice across the Irish prison system. Drawing on evaluation findings, operational learning and lived-experience perspectives, the session will consider the opportunities and challenges involved in building sustainable partnerships with marginalised communities. The TJI provides a practical example of how partnership-led approaches can support inclusion, rehabilitation, safer reintegration and more equitable outcomes within custodial and community justice settings.
Séamus Beirne is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead with the Irish Prison Service, where he leads organisational policy and practice initiatives to strengthen equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights across the prison system. His work focuses on embedding inclusive approaches within prison operations, recruitment, strategic planning and service delivery, while collaborating with government departments, statutory agencies and community stakeholders.
Séamus has considerable experience across the Irish public service, including roles in justice, education, defence and international affairs. Prior to his current role, he served as Justice and Equality Attaché at Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels, where he negotiated EU legislation relating to judicial cooperation and equality policy. He holds qualifications in public management, justice policy, employment law, human rights and equality, including an MA in Public Management and a Professional Diploma in Human Rights and Equality.
Chris is the Manager of the Traveller Mediation Service (TMS). The TMS is a partnership initiative supported by Restorative Justice in the Community. It focuses on mediating conflicts between Travellers, Travellers and agencies, and between Travellers and the settled Community. TMS promotes conflict prevention and intervention skills training, engaging with various stakeholders, including the Gardaí and local authorities.
Chris and his colleagues provide prisoners with peer mediation training to help prevent conflicts from escalating into violence. This work has made a significant contribution to reducing violence within prisons. Men and women with lived experience of imprisonment, who are trained in peer mediation, co-facilitate programmes in both prisons and the wider community. Their lived experience makes them powerful role models, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities.
Chris is a Traveller man and holds a Master’s in Mediation and a Diploma in Mediation Negotiation & Conflict Intervention from Maynooth University, and a Diploma in Addiction Studies from University College Dublin (UCD).
