'Valerie's Law' on guardianship rights passes Dáil

Legislation designed to prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from retaining guardianship of their children has passed the Dáil in Ireland. The Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, commonly referred to as "Valerie's Law," addresses a critical gap in child protection.

The law is named in memory of 41-year-old Valerie French, who was tragically killed by her husband, James Kilroy, in County Mayo in June 2019. The couple shared three children. Kilroy was convicted of his wife's murder in 2024 and received a mandatory life sentence.

Following French's death, her brother actively campaigned to ensure that Kilroy would not gain control over their children. "Valerie's Law" now ensures that individuals convicted of murdering the other parent of their child will no longer automatically retain guardianship rights.

This legislation applies equally to both married and unmarried couples, aiming to provide a more robust framework for protecting children in the aftermath of severe domestic violence. The passage of the bill represents a significant step forward in safeguarding children's welfare in Ireland.