NEW legislation has been approved by the Irish Government which would remove the parental rights of those who kill their child’s other parent.
The Guardianship of Infants Bill 2026 has become known as Valerie’s Law, named after mother-of-three Valerie French, who was murdered by her husband James Kilroy seven years ago.
The 41-year-old’s body was found at her home in Kilbree Lower, near Islandeady in Co. Mayo on June 14, 2019.
Valerie French was murdered by her husband James Kilroy in 2019 (Pic: Garda press office)Kilroy, who was convicted of Valerie's murder in July 2024, still retains guardianship rights over the couple’s three children.
Under the proposed law those convicted of the most serious crimes would not retain automatic legal authority over the children left behind.
The Bill went before cabinet last night, where Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured approval to publish the legislation.
“This Bill is about the welfare and protection of children,” he said.
“It is intended to protect vulnerable children from further trauma, to provide clarity for surviving family members, and to prevent perpetrators from maintaining control over the lives of their children,” he explained.
“Guardianship when one guardian kills another, should not be regarded as a matter of private law to be determined between the families concerned, but must be regarded as a child protection and welfare issue.”
Ms French’s brother David French has led the campaign to have Valerie’s Law implemented in Ireland.
“David French and his family have campaigned tirelessly for a change to the law in memory of his sister Valerie who was murdered by her husband, James Kilroy, seven years ago,” Minister O’Callaghan said.
“Valerie’s husband still retains all guardianship rights over their three children,” he added.
“The Bill will be known as Valerie’s Law in memory of Valerie.”
Under the proposed legislation Tusla would have to apply to the courts within six months of the conviction of a guardian for the murder or manslaughter of another guardian of the child.
On this application the court may either restrict the powers and duties of the convicted guardian or remove their parental rights entirely.
The law will apply to married and unmarried parents, to convictions for murder and manslaughter and in cases of very serious offences where one guardian causes harm to another.
It may also be applied retrospectively in the cases of murder and manslaughter.
“Revocation of guardianship is not automatic, and the court will have discretion to take all matters into account,” Minister O’Callaghan explained.
“The court must consider many factors when determining whether to remove or restrict guardianship.
“The court’s most important consideration, however, will be the welfare and best interests of the child.”
The Bill is expected to be published in the coming days and is set to reach the second stage in the Dáil later this month.
Everything from irishpost.com and the print edition is available on the Irish Post App — plus more! Download it for Android or Apple IOS devices today.
See More: Legislation, Mayo, Murder, Valerie's Law, Valerie French
