Jim O'Callaghan

The general scheme of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and International Instruments) Bill 2025 includes measures to allow gardaí to inform a designated person in a school that a domestic violence incident has occurred in a pupil’s home.

By making a child’s school aware of a domestic violence incident, it is intended that the child can subsequently receive additional support in their care and learning.

The bill is largely modelled on Northern Ireland’s existing early intervention strategy, known as “Operation Encompass”.

Government officials say they are working closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland to draw on experiences and learnings to inform the operationalisation of Operation Encompass south of the border.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “Children are particularly vulnerable when domestic violence occurs.

“Operation Encompass is a concrete and practical means of ensuring that children impacted by domestic violence receive understanding, care and support when they most need it in a school setting.

“Teachers are not expected to take any action, other than being sensitive to the fact that the child may have witnessed a distressing incident of domestic abuse. The discreet support will be based on the needs and wishes of the child.

“An Garda Síochána will only be allowed to share with the school that a domestic violence incident occurred in the household. No other details will be provided.

“I look forward to working closely with [education and youth minister Helen] McEntee and our officials to develop the best implementation model for Operation Encompass in Ireland that will support its introduction and operation in every school throughout the country.”

Ongoing scoping work around implementation of the scheme will include a cross-border learning event to draw on insights and experiences from the implementation of Operation Encompass in Northern Ireland, which commenced via a pilot programme in September 2021.

Key stakeholders from both sides of the border will be invited to attend and engage in this event.