Law to allow women to find out if partner has a history of violence is ‘priority’

Introducing a domestic violence registry in Ireland is a priority

The family of Jennifer Poole has been calling on the government to introduce a similar law to the UK's Clare's Law.

The legislation would be named Jennie's Law in honour of the late Jennifer Poole.

Clare's Law was introduced to reduce intimate partner violence. It was named after the late Clare Wood following her murder in 2009.

The police in England knew her partner was dangerous and had a history of violence.

The family of Jennifer Poole has been campaigning for the law to be introduced in Ireland.

Jennifer Poole tragically died after her ex-partner Gavin Murphy attacked her.

Jennifer Poole died in hospital after a violent attack at her apartment in Finglas in April 2021.

She was rushed to Connolly Hospital but died a short time later. Her cause of death was haemorrhage and shock due to multiple stab wounds.

Gavin Murphy pleaded guilty to her murder and is now serving a life sentence in prison.

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said introducing the law is a 'priority'.

The Sunday World reports, "Establishing a zero tolerance approach to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence is vital for safeguarding individuals and promoting a safer society.

"The Programme for Government commits to working with An Garda Siochana to ensure a person in an intimate relationship can be informed of a serious risk to them where a new partner has a history of domestic violence."

Minister O'Callaghan added that he's committed to addressing this important issue as a matter of priority.

He said he's focused "on ensuring there are effective measures in place so that An Garda Siochana can issue confidential warnings to persons who may be at risk in an intimate relationship."

His department as well as An Garda Siochana are working on a way to get this done most effectively.

If the legislation is approved a woman will be able to ask Gardaí if her partner has a violent history. Gardaí will be able to inform her of any records.