Domestic Violence Register law welcomed

Senator O'Loughlin with the Taoiseach and Jennifer Poole's Family in the Office of the Taoiseach.

A Kildare-based senator has welcomed the passing of landmark legislation to create a Domestic Violence Register, saying it will save lives amid a recent rise in femicide. Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin hailed the Dáil’s approval of the Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026, known as Jennie’s Law, which she first introduced in the Seanad. The bill will now go to President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law.

The law is named in memory of 24-year-old Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her former partner in Dublin in 2021. It will allow those convicted of serious domestic violence offences against current or former partners to be included on a dedicated public register, maintained by the Courts Service. Publication of judgments will depend on judicial discretion and the consent of victims or survivors.

Senator O’Loughlin said Jennie’s Law marks “a significant step forward” in protecting women from domestic violence by giving people access to information that can help keep them safe. 

She also paid tribute to Jennifer Poole’s family, especially her brother Jason Poole, whose campaign for change was instrumental in advancing the legislation. 

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