Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has secured Government approval to publish Jennie’s Law.
Those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner will be included on a public register.
The register will assist people who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions
The Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026 will set up a Register of Judgments, ensuring that relevant convictions for serious domestic violence offences are made public as part of the conviction process.
The Register will be hosted on the website of the Courts Service, and victims will be required to provide consent before the convicted person can be named on the public register.
Minister O’Callaghan said: “If a person is convicted of a serious criminal offence before the courts, that is a public conviction and the public are entitled to know about that conviction.
“Jennie's Law, named in honour of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2021, will be a new law that allows those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner to be included on a public Register of Judgements.
“This register will assist people who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions.
“Of course, a register alone is not a solution – this measure is one part of our broader, comprehensive strategy to protect victims of domestic violence and reduce reoffending.
“I want to commend the Poole family, and in particular Jason Poole, for the hard work and campaigning they have done to bring this legislation about.”
The new legislation inserts a Part 3A into the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and applies to convictions on indictment for serious domestic violence offences.
It provides a mechanism through which relevant judgments may be published to supplement the existing means of publicity, such as through media attendance and reporting on proceedings. It does not constitute an additional form of punishment.
The trial judge will have discretion to publish a judgment in an appropriate case, which will contain details of the conviction and sentence, as well as any other information relevant to the offence that the judge deems appropriate.
Judgments will then be published online by the Courts Service, under a specific heading of “Domestic Violence Register Judgments”.
The information will be presented in a way that is linked insofar as possible with domestic violence services, to ensure that anyone consulting the register will be directed towards appropriate supports, whether for themselves or for another person that they are concerned about.
Offenders can apply no earlier than three years after conviction for removal from the register. Any removal will be at the discretion of a court.
The register will be implemented in a broader context of preventative and protective measures, such as Operation Devise.
Through Operation Devise, An Garda Síochána provides appropriate support to the potentially vulnerable new partner of individuals who have previously been connected with a domestic homicide and/or serious offences related to domestic violence, and closely monitors any evidence of further domestic violence offending against them, aiming to mitigate the risks as much as possible.
The Bill is expected to be published in the coming days and to be initiated in the Houses shortly after.
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Ardagh, welcomed the announcement saying: "Jennie's Law is an important step forward in helping to protect victims of domestic violence and providing people with information that could help keep them safe.
"Too often, victims and their families are left unaware of a person's history of serious domestic violence. This legislation will create a Domestic Violence Register, giving people access to information that may help them make informed decisions about their own safety.
"I want to commend Minister Jim O'Callaghan for bringing this legislation before Cabinet and for his commitment to ensuring it progresses through the Oireachtas."
