Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-16
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Maria McCormack (SF), Labour Panel

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026. I acknowledge Jason Poole and the Poole family. The fact that we are debating this legislation today is due in no small part to their determination and courage in campaigning following the tragic death of Jennifer Poole. It is lovely to see them here with us in the Chamber today. I commend them on their bravery and continued work. No family should have to discover only after losing a loved one that there was in fact a history of abuse and violence they knew nothing about. Jennifer's story has highlighted a gap in our system and a failure to provide people with the information they may need to protect themselves. I know this too well from working with other advocacy groups, such as Victims' Voices, with which I have worked closely with my colleague Deputy Carthy on other pieces of legislation. They have told us this Bill is long overdue but also that we cannot just end up with a law that does not do exactly what it intends. Getting it right is important for victims and their families.
Sinn Féin supports the introduction of a domestic violence register and the intent of this Bill fully.
Domestic violence does not begin with a headline-grabbing assault. It often starts with control, intimidation, threats, isolation and fear. It can escalate over time, becoming more dangerous and more severe. From research and testimonies of survivors, we know that a documented history of abuse is one of the strongest indicators of a future in offending. This is why a register such as this has the potential to become an important tool in helping to protect people and prevent future harm. However, as highlighted during pre-legislative scrutiny, we must ensure we get this legislation right. One common concern raised by witnesses was the proposal that the offender could seek removal from the register after just three years. Jason Poole told the justice committee that three years is simply not long enough. That concern deserves serious consideration. The purpose of this register must be public protection first and foremost.
We also need to ensure that the scope of offences included is broad enough to reflect the reality of domestic abuse in Ireland today. Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. Victims and survivors have repeatedly told us about the devastating impact of coercive control, stalking, harassment, intimidation, sexual violence, financial abuse and image-based abuse. These behaviours can leave deep and lasting scars and can destroy confidence, independence and lives. If we are creating a domestic violence register, it must capture the full range of abusive behaviours that place people at risk. I also note the concerns raised by Women's Aid and others that breaches of protection orders should be included in the scope of this legislation. Where a court has already deemed it necessary to provide legal protection to a victim, repeated breaches of those orders should be treated with the utmost seriousness. Similarly, we must ensure that loopholes do not arise, whereby plea bargains or reduced charges allow perpetrators to avoid inclusion on the register altogether.
A register alone will not end domestic violence. We also need properly resourced Garda protective service units, adequate refuge spaces, specialist supports for victims and survivors, and a justice system that places their safety at the centre. This Bill, known as Jennie's law, represents an important step in the right direction. It is also great to have in the Chamber David French who is campaigning on Valerie's law. Sinn Féin will help at every stage to make sure this legislation goes through the Houses. I commend everybody on their work on this.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:03+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-16