Stalking will be a standalone crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, under new legislation approved by Cabinet yesterday.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee brought the memo before colleagues for approval.
The legislation will make stalking and non-fatal strangulation offences in their own right.
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Although stalking is already covered by existing law, Ms McEntee is proposing changing the legislation to make it stronger.
She said: “The Bill will have a number of elements to it including stalking and non-fatal strangulation.
“I’ve said previously I wanted to bring those forward as standalone, independent offences.
“I’ve worked closely with Eva McDowell and Una Ring who are campaigners and have been victims of stalking themselves but also with Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers to press the stalking element of it in particular.”
The law will explicitly reference stalking as an offence and make it clear impersonating the victim, and communicating with a third party, is illegal.
Speaking previously during a debate on violence against women, Ms McEntee said: “While choking and strangling are illegal, a new, standalone offence should encourage victims to come forward.
“It has been shown 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 cover watching or following a victim, even if they are not aware of being watched.
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