New Delhi: Ireland is set to create a public register of domestic violence offenders after the Dáil passed landmark legislation Wednesday to strengthen protections for women and children.
Known as Jennie’s Law, the Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill will enable women to look up potential partners on the register. It will include judgments on those convicted of domestic violence against a former or current partner.
The law was named after Jennifer Poole, a 24-year-old who was murdered by her former partner in April 2021. She had two children and did not know her partner had a history of abuse. Poole’s family campaigned on the issue for years and were present as the legislation was passed. Irish lawmakers gave a standing ovation to the family, local media reported.
“Recent tragic events have once again brought the reprehensible scourge of violence against women sharply into public focus,” said Jim O’Callaghan, Ireland’s minister for justice, home affairs and migration. “I want to provide an assurance particularly to women and children that I am steadfast in my determination as Minister to confront domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms and the new laws passed this evening stand as a testament to that.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin posted a photo with Jason Poole, Jennifer’s brother, on 16 July.
A privilege to meet with Jason Poole and David French this evening as ‘Jennie’s Law’ and ‘Valerie’s Law’ are approved by the Dail.
This is an important step to help protect vulnerable children and potential victims of domestic violence. pic.twitter.com/cT95Ii2SZE
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 15, 2026
Other laws
Under Jennie’s Law, convictions for serious domestic violence offences in Ireland will be publicised as part of the conviction process. Hosted on the Irish Courts Service website, each entry will contain details of the conviction and sentence.
There will be limits on the register. A perpetrator’s name will be published only if the survivor gives consent. The trial judge will have the discretion to determine if publication is warranted based on the specifics of a case.
The new legislation includes Valerie’s Law, which provides for the removal or restriction of guardianship from a parent convicted of killing the other parent of their child. The Irish parliament has also criminalised the exploitative practice of seeking ‘sex for rent’ and presumed non-disclosure of counselling notes in criminal trials.
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