‘Valerie’s Law' will strip murderers of guardianship rights to their children
The law is named in honour of Valerie French, who was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy. The 41-year old mother-of-three was laid to rest in her native Cork in 2019. File picture
Killers will be stripped of guardianship rights to their children if they are convicted of murdering a partner or the parent of a child under plans to be discussed at Cabinet tomorrow.
The law will be called ‘Valerie’s Law’ in honour of Valerie French, who was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, in 2019.
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At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan will ask the Government to approve the text of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026.
It will remove guardianship rights from those convicted of the murder or manslaughter of their partners, or the other parent of their child.
Tusla, The Child and Family Agency, must apply to the District Court within six months of the conviction in order for them to be stripped of their rights.
An order can either restrict the convicted person’s powers and duties — or remove them as a guardian.
It will take effect once an alternative arrangement is in place, such as a care order, or the child having another guardian.
The new law will also apply retrospectively to cases that occurred before this law was introduced.
Mr O’Callaghan said that Valerie’s Law has been a priority for him since becoming justice minister.
“Our laws must reflect the gravity of these offences,” he said
“This is about the welfare and protection of children... This legislation, to be known as Valerie’s Law in honour of Valerie French, upholds a fundamental principle that those convicted of the most serious crimes should not retain automatic legal authority over the children they have left behind.”
- Louise Burne, Political Correspondent
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