Jennie’s Law: Domestic abusers will now be named publicly with their victim's consent 

Minister commends the family of murdered Dubliner Jennifer Poole as he brings new domestic abuse law to Cabinet

Mother of two Jennifer Poole was 24 when she was murdered by her ex-partner Gavin Murphy at her home in Finglas, West Dublin in 2021.

Those convicted of domestic violence will be named publicly, with their victim’s consent, under a new law named in honour of the late Jennifer Poole.

Jennie’s Law will be brought to Cabinet by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan, who is seeking approval for the legislation, which includes the establishment of a domestic violence register.

Ms Poole, a mother of two, was 24 when she was murdered by her ex-partner, Gavin Murphy, in 2021.

David Poole holds up a photo of his murdered sister, Jennifer, with family and friends outside the Central Criminal Court in April 2022 after her ex-partner Gavin Murphy received a life sentence for her murder at her home in Finglas, West Dublin. File picture: Collins Courts

Ms Poole was not aware that her killer had a history of abusive behaviour towards a former partner, and a conviction for assaulting her.

The Poole family campaigned for the introduction of a law in her honour to help save the lives of other potential victims.

Jennie’s Law will now allow, for the first time, the naming of those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, on a public register.

This is to help people in a relationship, or considering a relationship with a person, to discover whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions.

This register will be managed by the Courts Service.

Victims' and survivors' right to privacy

The publication of such a register had previously raised concerns about the risk to a victim’s right to anonymity. Victims will be required to give their consent before the convicted abuser can be named.

The trial judge will also have discretion to issue a judgement, which will contain details of conviction and sentence, as well as any other information relevant to the offence that the judge deems appropriate.

Information on the register will also be presented in a way that is linked with domestic violence services.

Minister commends Jennie's brother

Mr O’Callaghan commended Jason Poole, Ms Poole’s brother, for campaigning for Jennie’s Law.

“If a person is convicted of a serious criminal offence before the courts, that is a public conviction and the public are entitled to know about that conviction,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

“In Ireland, justice is required to be administered in public. I want to commend Jason Poole and his family. Advocacy is hugely important and effective, and I am proud to be in a position as minister to introduce the legislation that will provide for a domestic violence register in honour of Jennifer’s memory.”

Ms Poole, from Ballygall, Finglas, was a healthcare worker and played camogie with local club Erin’s Isle.