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THE DÁIL HAS approved legislation for the establishment of Ireland’s first domestic violence register.
TDs voted to approve the Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill 2026, also known as Jennie’s Law, following a debate this evening.
It will now go to President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law.
The law will allow those convicted of domestic violence against a current or former partner to be publicly named on a register.
These offences include murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, assault causing harm, threats to kill or cause serious harm, harassment and false imprisonment.
The domestic violence judgements register will be hosted on the website of the Courts Service. Survivors will be required to provide consent before the convicted person can be named on the register.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has said the register will help those who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions.
Jennie’s Law is named after Jennifer Poole. The 24-year-old mother of two was murdered by her ex-partner, 30-year-old Gavin Murphy, in 2021.
Murphy had a previous conviction for assaulting a former partner and had a history of abusive behaviour. Jennifer was not aware of this.
Her family were in the Dáil’s public gallery as the vote took place, including her children, her parents Jackie and Joe and her brother Jason, who has campaigned for the register since his sister’s death.
The family received a standing ovation from TDs after Leas-Cheann Comhairle John McGuinness welcomed them to the chamber.
O’Callaghan commended Jason Poole for his “steadfast” support for the legislation, adding that he had been “hugely important to me in terms of trying to advance this legislation through the houses of the Oireachtas”.
He also welcomed the support from “across the political spectrum” for the bill, which he said originated from “the brutal and senseless murder of a young woman”.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed the approval of Jennie’s Law.
“Perpetrators of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence have for too long hidden in plain sight, and this provides people with an opportunity to access information that may indicate a serious risk to them within their relationship,” chief executive Rachel Morrogh said.
“We particularly welcome the requirement that a victim’s consent must be obtained before a convicted offender can be named on the register. Respecting the autonomy of victims and survivors must remain central as the new system comes into operation.”
However, Morrogh said that most perpetrators of domestic violence are never convicted of a crime “so the names on the register will be a drop in the ocean compared to the true threat”.
The register’s success depends on increasing convictions for domestic and sexual offences, and why making the justice system more victim-centred and encouraging survivors into it must remain a political priority.
“We encourage anyone experiencing intimate partner abuse, or worried about their relationship, to contact a support service, whether or not a name appears on any list. Specialist services can offer information and support without judgement, and at the person’s own pace.”
Morrogh also congratulated the Poole family on their advocacy and for ensuring “that Jennie’s legacy will help protect others in the future”.
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