Tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence

New laws have been introduced to create a public register of people convicted of domestic violence against a former or current partner, restrict the disclosure of counselling notes in sexual offences trials, and remove guardianship rights from people convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child.

The Domestic Violence Judgments Register Act 2026, signed into law in 2026 and known as Jennie’s Law, is to provide for a public register of judgments on people convicted of domestic violence against a former or current partner. Convictions for serious domestic violence offences are to be publicised as part of the conviction process.

The register is to be hosted on the Courts Services’ website under the heading ‘Domestic Violence Register Judgments’. Consent from victims will be required before the convicted person can be named on the register. The law is named in honour of Jennfier Poole who was murdered by her ex-partner, Gavin Murphy, in 2021. Murphy had previously been jailed for two years for attacking a former partner and her mother with a knife in 2015.

Trial judges will have discretion to publish a judgment in an appropriate case. This would contain details of conviction and sentence along with other information relevant to the offence deemed appropriate by the judge.

The register is to be designed so that people consulting it will be directed towards appropriate supports. Offenders can apply to have their name removed from the register. They can apply no earlier than three years after conviction and the removal of their name is to be at the discretion of a court.

Offences encompassed by the bill include murder, manslaughter, rape, assault causing harm, threats to kill, harassment, false imprisonment, and coercive control amongst others.

Counselling notes and ‘sex for rent’

The Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, signed into law in July 2026, aims to restrict disclosure of counselling notes in sexual offences trials. It is also intended to ensure judges have independent oversight in all cases.

The act introduces a presumption of non-disclosure regarding counselling notes. This means the default position is to be that counselling notes are not disclosed. Under the Act, disclosure hearings must take place in all cases, meaning counselling records are only released if the judge decides they contain evidence relevant to legal proceedings.

A complete ban on the disclosure of counselling records would be unconstitutional, according to advice from the Attorney General’s Office. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration says such a ban would “likely lead to legal challenges, with convictions potentially being quashed as a result”.

This principle will also be applied to other victims’ records containing sensitive data such as medical records and child protection records.

“I believe the laws will have a positive impact in helping to prevent these unacceptable crimes and in making those responsible publicly accountable for their actions while supporting victims and survivors and their families.”

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD

The Bill also introduces provision to combat sexual abuse and exploitation. Two criminal offences are to be introduced by the bill: offering accommodation in exchange for sexual activity, known as ‘sex for rent’, and advertising of accommodation in exchange for sexual activity.

The Act provides for an application-based legislative scheme for the disregard of certain historical convictions relating to consensual same-sex activity. It also introduces two new offences for which bail can be refused:

• intimidating a person or family of a person assisting a criminal investigation or who is acting as a witness or juror in criminal proceedings; and
• failing to comply with the notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act 2001, or refusing or failing to enable fingerprints, palm prints, or photographs to be taken by An Garda Síochána for such requirements.

Valerie’s law

The Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Act 2026, known as Valerie’s law is to provide for the removal of guardianship rights from people convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child. It is named after Valerie French Kilroy, who was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, in June 2026.

Under the Act, Tusla must apply to the court within six months of the conviction of a guardian for the murder or manslaughter of another guardian of the child. The court may either restrict the power and duties of the convicted guardian or remove convicted guardian from office.

It is to be applied to married and unmarried parents, to convictions for murder and manslaughter, and in cases of “very serious offences where one guardian causes harm to another”. The Act may also be applied retrospectively in the cases of murder and manslaughter.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD says: “Recent tragic events have once again brought the reprehensible scourge of violence against women sharply into public focus.

“I believe the laws will have a positive impact in helping to prevent these unacceptable crimes and in making those responsible publicly accountable for their actions while supporting victims and survivors and their families.”