Domestic violence register law expected to pass in Dáil

Legislation to establish Ireland's first domestic violence judgments register, known as "Jennie's Law," is currently being debated in the Dáil and is expected to pass this evening. The bill will then proceed to the President of Ireland for signing into law.

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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.

The Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill will create a public record of individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses against a current or former partner. This register aims to help people in or considering relationships to identify if their partner has a history of serious domestic violence convictions.

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Ms Poole was not aware Murphy had a history of abusive behaviour and a conviction for assaulting a former partner.

The law is named in memory of 24-year-old Jennifer Poole, who was tragically murdered by her former partner, Gavin Murphy, in Finglas, Dublin, in 2021. Ms. Poole was reportedly unaware of Murphy's history of abusive behavior and a previous conviction for assaulting a former partner. Gavin Murphy received a mandatory life sentence for the murder.

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Gavin Murphy received a mandatory life sentence

Ms. Poole's family, including her brother Jason Poole who has been a strong advocate for the legislation, are present in the Dáil public gallery. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan acknowledged the "brutal and senseless murder" of Ms. Poole as the driving force behind the legislation. Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe remembered Ms. Poole as 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."

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all of the House were aware of the background and origins of the legislation - the 'brutal and senseless murder' of Ms Poole.