Stalking is set to be a standalone criminal offence which can carry up to 10 years behind bars, under new legislation to be approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring the memo before her Cabinet colleagues for approval.
The legislation will make stalking and non-fatal strangulation standalone offences.
READ MORE: Helen McEntee to bring forward new law to make stalking a criminal offence in Ireland
Although the act of stalking itself is already covered by existing law, Ms McEntee is proposing changing the legislation to make it stronger.
The law will explicitly reference stalking as a criminal offence and make it clear that impersonating the victim, and then communicating with a third party, is illegal.
Speaking in January during a debate on violence against women, Ms McEntee said: “While choking and strangling are already illegal, creating a new, standalone offence should encourage victims to come forward and report what has happened to them.
“It has been shown that this crime can be an indication of future, lethal violence and is a risk factor for homicides against women in the home.”
The legislation will also make clear that stalking includes watching or following a victim, even where they are not aware of being watched or followed.
Last year, Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers worked on the bill with campaigners Eve McDowell and Una Ring.
Cabinet are meeting later on Wednesday evening.
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