Introduction to the Directory of Irish Criminological Research

Robust scholarship, empirical research and thorough analysis are key to understanding social problems and devising appropriate policy solutions. Sound analysis and reliable statistics are also vital in assessing the impact and effectiveness of measures flowing from policy decisions. Yet in Ireland when it comes to public discourse on crime and to the task of devising policy responses it is too often the case that public and political debates is characterised by anecdote, conjecture and rhetoric. This is due in part this to the fact that criminology in the Republic of Ireland remains underdeveloped, with few permanent university or research posts dedicated to this area.

While criminology in Ireland may be in a nascent state, there are some encouraging signs that the discipline is developing. Over the years, some excellent examples of research on crime and penal policy have been produced. An increasing number of academics are engaged in criminological research and producing publications in various media. Other encouraging signs of an emerging Irish criminology include the number of students who are pursuing doctoral studies, and the increased availability of funding from both public and private sources to enable research to be undertaken.

However, it remains difficult to gauge the extent and nature of current criminological research in Ireland, since there is an absence of an accessible overview of the work that is underway. In the light of this, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice decided in early 2007 to try to address this gap in information by compiling a directory of current criminological research in the Republic of Ireland. It was decided that an electronic database accessible through the Internet offered the best format for the directory, since this would facilitate wide dissemination and allow for information to be revised and updated regularly. To coincide with the launch of the on-line directory, a printed version is being published.

Methodology 

In February 2007, the Centre consulted a number of experts in criminology about the possible format for the directory and potential sources of information. Following these discussions, close to 200 individuals and organisations likely to be engaged in research relating to crime were contacted.

Letters and e-mails were sent to each selected person or organisation outlining the purpose and scope of the proposed directory. A decision was taken not to define ‘criminological research’ but rather to allow individuals and organisations judge if research they were currently engaged in could be described as ‘criminological research’. The letter was accompanied by a form (also available in an electronic format) which sought information under the following headings:

(1) the title of research;

(2) the name/s of the researcher;

(3) the institution to which the researcher is attached;

(4) the format in which the research findings will be disseminated;

(5) the expected completion date;

(6) a brief description of the research.

Recipients were offered three means of submitting completed forms: by post, by email or by fax. As the aim from the outset was to compile as complete a directory as possible, recipients were also invited to submit to the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice names and contact details of other researchers known to be engaged in criminological research.

The reaction to the letters of invitation was very positive and within two weeks of the initial contact a number of responses had been received. These responses were of two types: (1) completed forms with information on current criminological research supplied for inclusion in the directory and (2) written correspondence or telephone calls indicating that the individual or organisation was not engaged in such research at this time.

In cases where no response was received within three weeks, the research team compiling the directory contacted individuals and organisations by telephone. As a result, further completed forms were received. In a small number of cases, despite several attempts, the team failed to make direct contact with the individuals or organisation concerned.

By April 2007 information on over thirty separate pieces of research had been received. It was decided that this level of response was sufficient to justify proceeding with the design of the electronic directory and loading the information. At the same time, the information was arranged for publication in print form. At the time of going to press, the directory includes information on thirty-nine separate pieces of research being undertaken by forty individual researchers.

The Centre recognises that despite the high response rate and positive reactions from those contacted, the directory is still a work in progress and is very much experimental. However, the electronic version of the directory offers the potential to update and expand the information and so build on the work carried out to date. It offers a straightforward means whereby those currently engaged in criminological research but not included in the directory can submit information for inclusion. This on-line facility will also mean that in the future individuals and organisation undertaking new projects can choose to submit information on their research. In this way, Towards a Directory of Irish Criminological Research has the potential to offer a fuller picture of the extent and nature of current Irish criminological research.