Cork murder victim's family calls for passing of 'Valerie’s law' before election

Valerie French Kilroy (pictured) was 41 when she was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, at their house in Mayo in June 2019. 

Government should prioritise passing legislation to remove guardianship rights from convicted killers ahead of the next general election, the family of a woman murdered by her husband has said.

Valerie French Kilroy was 41 when she was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, at their house in Mayo in June 2019. Kilroy was sentenced to life imprisonment last July after being found guilty of her murder.

David French, Valerie’s brother, said that he now want to see Justice Minister Helen McEntee urgently work on legislation to ensure guardian rights for their children are stripped from convicted killers.

Mr French said that while the Justice Minister is looking at the proposal in line with other family law reforms, it must be prioritised. The family are currently taking civil proceedings against Kilroy to secure funds for his three children.

A Department of Justice report on familicide, published in 2023, recommended that the Government amend existing legislation to ensure that a parent convicted of murdering another parent should not retain guardianship.

“We need to go and just write some legislation now… Just do this thing, it’s a simple thing,” Mr French said.

Currently, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns is finalising legislation that would give effect to Mr French’s calls, with the bill being known as ‘Valerie’s Law’.

Ms Cairns called for Valerie’s death to be a “turning point” and ensure that the State uses “every lever to put the rights of bereaved children and families before those found guilty of domestic homicide”.

“It is appalling that as it stands, all the important decisions around a child’s life remains under the control of their parent’s killer. This inflicts unimaginable trauma on children and families, who are forced to continue to engage with the murderer of their loved one,” Ms Cairns said.

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The Social Democrats leader said the bill is being progressed as a “matter of urgency” and she hopes to introduce it to the Dáil soon.

“However, should an election be called imminently, as is expected, this will be a matter that must be dealt with by the next Dáil and an issue which must be committed to by all other parties ahead of the election,” Ms Cairns said.

The laws being put forward by Ms Cairns would automatically suspend parental rights following sentencing for murder in a criminal court, before immediately moving proceedings into the family courts for deliberation on guardianship.

The Cork South West TD said this would prevent children being left in limbo without a legal guardian, with their voice being central to the process.

Ms Cairns added

Parental rights will not be suspended in situations where a victim of domestic abuse kills their abuser in an act of self-defence.

Mr French said there are currently situations where a jailed killer can make decisions about their children’s health, while also being able to know their locations.

Similar legislation has already been enacted in the UK, known as Jade’s Law — following the murder of Jade Ward by Russel Marsh in 2021.

Laws have also been passed in Italy, Argentina and Israel on the issue.