Jennie's Law: Dáil standing ovation for Jennifer Poole and her family as bill is passed

A publicly-accessible register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offences will be created under the new law named in Jennie's honour

Jackie, Clare, and Joe Poole, the parents and sister of the late Jennifer Poole, at the Central Criminal Court in April 2022 where Gavin Murphy, with an address at Coultry Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 9, received a life sentence for murdering Jennifer. PIC: Collins Courts

A publicly-accessible register of individuals convicted of serious domestic violence offences is to be established after Jennie's Law passed through the Dáil.

The Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill, named in honour of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2021, will see the names of those convicted published on the Courts Service website, with survivors required to provide consent before the convicted person can be named.

Ms Poole's family were in the Dáil public gallery to witness the passing of the legislation and received a standing ovation from politicians in recognition of their campaigning.

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan commended the "resilience and determination" of Ms Poole's family in advocating for the law which now represents a "permanent memorial to their beloved Jennie".

Jennifer Poole's remains arriving at Saint Canice’s Church in Finglas in April 2021. Gavin Murphy, with an address at Coultry Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 9, received a life sentence for murdering Jennifer. Under the new law, the names of those convicted of serious domestic violence will be added to a publicly-accessible register. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Speaking ahead of the vote, Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said it was important to remember who Ms Poole was and not just focus on how she died.

"Jennie was a 24-year-old mother, a wonderful mother to Zack and Neveah, a healthcare worker in our community. In many ways she was the very best of our community," he told the Dáil.

Mr McAuliffe added that he would not be speaking about what happened to Ms Poole on April 17, 2021, "because that man has taken enough from the Poole family without me reliving it here today".

He detailed that Ms Poole was not aware that her ex-partner had a previous conviction, and her family did not realise this until the court case into her killing, but he said the new law will be "transformative".

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carty pointed out that the "vast, vast majority" of domestic violence cases "will never actually come before a court".

'Perpetrators have hidden in plain sight'

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomed the passing of Jennie's Law but warned that success depends on increasing convictions.

Chief executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said: "Perpetrators of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence have for too long hidden in plain sight, and this provides people with an opportunity to access information that may indicate a serious risk to them within their relationship."

She added: "It is important to recognise the limitations of any register. People need to understand that most perpetrators are never convicted of a crime, whether because the crime is not reported or because a prosecution doesn't or cannot happen, so the names on the register will be a drop in the ocean compared to the true threat.

Gavin Murphy, with an address at Coultry Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 9, received a life sentence for murdering Jennifer Poole. File picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

“The register's success depends on increasing convictions for domestic and sexual offences, and why making the justice system more victim-centred and encouraging survivors into it must remain a political priority.

The legislation will now be referred to President Catherine Connolly to be signed into law.

• Elaine Loughlin, Political Editor