The brother of Jennifer Poole has said that news that ‘Jennie’s Law’ will be brought to Cabinet tomorrow is a “massive step forward” for her family after a four-year campaign.
Jennie’s Law would allow, for the first time, the naming of those convicted of domestic violence against a current or former partner, on a public register.
Jennifer, 24, was murdered by her ex partner, Gavin Murphy, in April 2021. Murphy, who attacked and stabbed the young mother of two to death at her home in Finglas, was sentenced to life in prison the following year. Murphy had 13 previous convictions, and a history of violence against women, including having been jailed for two years for an attack on a former partner and her mother. Ms Poole was not aware of Mr Murphy’s history of abusive behaviour.
Since her death, Mr Poole and his family have campaigned for a Domestic Violence Register, which would be managed by the Courts Service – with victims being required to provide consent before the convicted abuser can be named on the public register. The publication of such a register has also raised concerns about the risk to a victim’s right to anonymity.
It is understood that victims will be required to give their consent before the convicted abuser can be named.
Jason Poole, speaking to Gript on Monday, said that the news that Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan will seek Cabinet approval for the establishment of a Domestic Violence Register was “bitter-sweet.” Mr Poole says that the mechanism would provide information that would help protect people at risk and prevent further crimes.
“The law is going to Cabinet tomorrow morning for approval – it’s a massive step forward for us as a family to see this brought forward. It’s been four years of hard work, but it’s also a reminder that we had to lose Jennifer in order for this piece of legislation to be enacted. I believe that if a public register was in place, we’d still have Jennifer.
“It’s bittersweet that families will, hopefully, not have to go through what we have gone through in order to save their loved ones; that there will be a register that they can seek for clarification, or that victims themselves can use to seek information about a potential abuser.
“That’s really important. It’s a new system that may make people feel that they can take that next step when it comes to reporting domestic violence, knowing that there is a mechanism to make sure that they are supported and looked after. It’s a positive thing that hopefully, there will be a system in place, as is the case with the sex offenders register.
“If somebody needs to be prosecuted, it is ultimately the judge that is making that decision, not the victim. I think that’s an important point.”
Mr Poole previously spoke to Gript about the proposed law, addressing opposition to it from some on civil liberties grounds. In 2023, documents released under Freedom of Information showed that officials within the Department of justice had raised legal concerns about the proposal, including advice from the Attorney General. It said that plans for a Domestic Violence Register in Ireland had been the subject oof “detailed consideration by the Attorney General.”
Clare’s Law – also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – is a piece of legislation which exists in the UK, allowing the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. It was introduced after the father of murder victim Clare Wood, 36, campaigned for its introduction. First introduced in England and Wales in 2014, it often does not take the form of a statute, and may be implemented as a policy document or guidance issued by a government authority to police departments.\
Under the law, people can apply to for information about a current or ex-partner that you still have contact with, because you’re worried they may have a history of abuse, and are a risk to you; or a current or ex-partner of a friend or relative that they still have contact with, because you’re worried they might be at risk.
As a backbench TD, now Justice Minister Mr O’Callaghan supported Mr Poole’s campaign and has since becoming Minister, had pledged to introduce the legislation.
“This will help people who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to discover whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions,” according to the Department of Justice.