Irish Government Moves Forward with Jennie’s Law to Strengthen Protection Against Domestic Violence
Government approval has been granted for the publication of new legislation designed to improve public access to information about serious domestic violence convictions.
The Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026, known as Jennie’s Law, will establish a public Register of Judgements for certain serious domestic violence offences committed against a partner or former partner.
The proposed register is intended to help people who are in, or are considering entering, a relationship to find out whether a person has a history of serious domestic violence convictions. It is named in memory of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her former partner in 2021.
Under the legislation, relevant convictions may be published as part of the court process. The register will be made available through the Courts Service website and will include judgements relating to serious domestic violence offences where publication is considered appropriate.
Publication will not be automatic in every case. The trial judge will have discretion to decide whether a judgement should be published. Victim consent will also be required before a convicted person can be named on the register.
The published judgement may include details of the conviction, the sentence imposed, and any other information the judge considers relevant to the offence. These judgements will appear online under a dedicated heading titled “Domestic Violence Register Judgements”.
The measure is designed to complement existing public access to criminal court outcomes, including media reporting of court proceedings. It is not intended to operate as an additional punishment, but as a means of improving transparency and supporting public safety.
The Bill will insert a new Part 3A into the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and will apply to convictions on indictment for serious domestic violence offences.
The register will also be presented in a way that links users to appropriate domestic violence supports and services. This will help ensure that anyone accessing the information, whether for themselves or out of concern for someone else, can be directed towards practical help.
A person named on the register will be able to apply to the court for removal no earlier than three years after conviction. Any decision to remove a judgement from the register will remain a matter for the court.
Jennie’s Law forms part of a wider approach to preventing domestic violence, protecting victims, and reducing the risk of reoffending. This includes ongoing protective measures led by An Garda Síochána, including initiatives aimed at supporting people who may be at risk from individuals with a history of serious domestic violence.
The Bill is expected to be published shortly and introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas soon afterwards.
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