A Cavan councillor has called on the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, to introduce legislation providing for a domestic violence register.
Speaking at a recent Cavan County Council meeting, councillor John Paul Feeley said that those convicted of violence against women should be placed on a registry for offenders.
Councillor Feeley added that the proposed register could then be made accessible to protect women, who are in a relationship with someone who has previous convictions.
At the recent council meeting, councillor Feeley made reference to the murder of Jennifer Poole who was stabbed seven times by her partner in Dublin back in 2021.
Councillor Feeley noted that it was only during the sentencing for her murder, that the Poole family became aware that her killer had previously served time in prison for assaulting a previous partner prior to his relationship with Ms Poole.
He described the current situation as a “huge worry” with no system in place for victims or their families to be made aware of potential abusers.
The motion was supported by Bailieborough councillor, Paddy McDonald, who believes that those who hold a criminal record for domestic abuse, should notify relevant authorities when they are in a new relationship or sharing a household with someone.
Councillor McDonald warned that “more needs to be done” to find ways of helping those who have been abused and to help prevent individuals from becoming victims.
He agreed with councillor Feeley to write to the Justice Minister, adding that a record should be available on those who commit the crime of domestic abuse.
