Legislation creating Ireland's first public register of serious domestic violence offenders has cleared the Oireachtas and will now be sent to President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law.
The Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill 2026, known as Jennie's Law, will establish a publicly accessible register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offences against a current or former partner.
The register is designed to help people who are in, or considering, a relationship with someone determine whether that person has a history of serious domestic violence convictions.
The legislation is named in memory of Jennifer Poole, the 24-year-old healthcare worker and mother who was murdered by her former partner Gavin Murphy in Finglas in 2021. Jennifer was unaware that Murphy had previously been convicted of assaulting another former partner.
Jennifer's family, including her brother Jason Poole, who has campaigned for the introduction of the law, watched the legislation pass from the public gallery in the Dáil. Her parents, Jackie and Joe Poole, and her children were also present.
Speaking after the legislation completed its passage through both the Dáil and Seanad, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said the reforms would strengthen protections for women and children as part of the Government's efforts to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
"Recent tragic events have once again brought the reprehensible scourge of violence against women sharply into public focus. 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."
The Minister said he believes the legislation will help prevent further abuse while ensuring offenders are held publicly accountable.
"I believe the laws will have a positive impact in helping to prevent these unacceptable crimes and in making those responsible publicly accountable for their actions while supporting victims and survivors and their families."
Today, Minister @OCallaghanJim delivered 🇮🇪’s national statement at the UN Security Council Debate on Confict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).
Ireland calls for:
🔸all parties to conflict to comply with their international legal obligations;
🔸UNSC action, such as inclusion of… pic.twitter.com/ONEy3xwuZI
— Ireland at UN (@IrishMissionUN) July 8, 2026
Explaining the purpose of Jennie's Law, Minister O'Callaghan said the register would ensure there is "nowhere to hide" for perpetrators of serious domestic violence.
"It will be known as Jennie's Law, in memory of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2021. The Poole family, and particularly Jennie's brother Jason, deserve enormous credit for their advocacy on this issue."
He added: "This legislation will help 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 register is one part of the Government's broader, comprehensive strategy to protect victims of domestic violence and reduce reoffending."
During the Dáil debate, Minister O'Callaghan said the House was conscious of the origins of the legislation, describing Jennifer's death as a "brutal and senseless murder."
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe also paid tribute to Jennifer, saying: "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.
Jennie's Law forms part of a wider package of justice reforms approved by the Oireachtas. The legislation also includes Valerie's Law, which will remove or restrict guardianship rights from a parent convicted of killing the other parent of their child, measures to criminalise so-called "sex for rent", and stronger protections limiting the disclosure of victims' counselling notes during criminal trials.
All of the measures will now be sent to President Connolly to be signed into law.
