Jim O’Callaghan

The Domestic Violence (Judgments) Register Bill 2026 will set up a Register of Judgments, ensuring that relevant convictions for serious domestic violence offences are made public as part of the conviction process.

The register will be hosted on the website of the Courts Service, and victims will be required to provide consent before the convicted person can be named on the public register.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “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.

“Jennie’s Law, named in honour of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2021, will be a new law that allows those convicted of domestic violence against a partner or former partner, to be included on a public Register of Judgements.

“This register will assist people who are in a relationship or considering a relationship with a person to ascertain whether they have a history of serious domestic violence convictions.

“Of course, a register alone is not a solution – this measure is one part of our broader, comprehensive strategy to protect victims of domestic violence and reduce reoffending.

“I want to commend the Poole family, and in particular Jason Poole, for the hard work and campaigning they have done to bring this legislation about.”

The new legislation inserts a Part 3A into the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and applies to convictions on indictment for serious domestic violence offences. It provides a mechanism through which relevant judgments may be published to supplement the existing means of publicity, such as through media attendance and reporting on proceedings. It does not constitute an additional form of punishment.

The trial judge will have discretion to publish a judgment in an appropriate case, which will contain details of conviction and sentence, as well as any other information relevant to the offence that the judge deems appropriate. Judgments will be published online by the Courts Service, under a specific heading of “Domestic Violence Register Judgments”.

The information will be presented in a way that is linked insofar as possible with domestic violence services, to ensure that anyone consulting the register will be directed towards appropriate supports, whether for themselves or for another person that they are concerned about.

Offenders can apply no earlier than three years after conviction for removal from the register. Any removal will be at the discretion of a court.

The bill is expected to be published in the coming days, and to be initiated in the Houses shortly after.