Legislation providing for the establishment of Ireland’s first domestic violence judgements register has been approved by the Dáil.
The Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill 2026, known as Jennie’s Law, will now go to the President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law.
It will result in those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner being included on a public register.
The register will assist people in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions.
‘Victims and families don’t have to suffer the way we’ve had to suffer’
The law has been named in honour of 24-year-old Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her former partner Gavin Murphy in Finglas in Dublin in 2021.
Ms Poole was not aware Murphy had a history of abusive behaviour and a conviction for assaulting a former partner.
Gavin Murphy received a mandatory life sentence
Ms Poole’s family are in the Dáil public gallery this afternoon, including her brother Jason Poole, who has campaigned vigorously for the legislation.
Her parents Jackie and Joe and children are also present.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said all of the House were aware of the background and origins of the legislation – the “brutal and senseless murder” of Ms Poole.
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said Ms Poole was subject to an offence at “the most serious level”.
“It’s important to remember who Jennie was, she was a 24-year-old mother, a wonderful mother, a healthcare worker in our community, a very much loved member of her camogie team, and in many ways she was the very best of our community,” he said.