Story perspectives

Irish Dáil Passes Domestic Violence Register Bill, Awaiting Signature

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Irish Dáil passed the Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill, creating a public register of convictions that awaits President Catherine Connolly’s signature.
Jennie’s Law requires survivors to consent before a convicted partner can be listed on the register.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the register will help people assess a partner’s history of serious domestic violence as the Poole family watched the vote from the public gallery and received applause.

History

Historical Context

The UK’s Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, called Clare’s Law, launched on 8 March 2014 after a pilot and public consultation. It created ‘right-to-ask’ and ‘right-to-know’ requests, with 57 % of ‘right-to-know’ applications disclosed by March 2018. Ireland’s 2024 Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill, led by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and pending President Catherine Connolly’s sign-off, adopts the same framework to allow a consent-based public register.

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Story summary

The Irish Dáil passed the Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register Bill, creating a public register of convictions that awaits President Catherine Connolly’s signature.
Jennie’s Law requires survivors to consent before a convicted partner can be listed on the register.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the register will help people assess a partner’s history of serious domestic violence as the Poole family watched the vote from the public gallery and received applause.

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