Valerie's Law set to become law after clearing final Oireachtas stage

Valerie's Law now goes to President Connolly for signature before formally becoming law.

By Jack Good Published 17th Jul 2026, 14:00 BST Valerie French's friends all spoke about her infectious character and inspirational nature. | David French Valerie's Law now goes to President Connolly for signature before formally becoming law. Sign up to our Mayo Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Mayo Live within your account.

Legislation that will end automatic guardianship rights for a parent convicted of killing their child's other parent has completed its journey through the Oireachtas and now awaits the President's signature before joining the Statute Book.

The Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026 — widely known as Valerie's Law — passed its final stage on Wednesday, July 15. It now goes to President Connolly for signature before formally becoming law.

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The bill is named in memory of 41-year-old Valerie French, who was killed by her husband James Kilroy in Co Mayo in June 2019. Kilroy was convicted of killing his wife in 2024 and received the mandatory life sentence, yet retained guardianship rights over the couple's three children. Ms French's brother, David, has campaigned for years to change the law so this could not continue.

Speaking to The Mayo News after the bill's passage, Valerie’s brother, David French said:

"Personally I am immensely thankful for the support we have received in this campaign from people in many roles: politicians, researchers, media, publishers, the general public and most of all from people who have also been bereaved by domestic violence.

"The campaign itself has been just one part of the aftermath, for example securing Valerie's assets for her children is still ongoing, over seven years after her death.

"Murder is a massive injustice that cannot be reversed but the system's response to it can be improved. Valerie's Law deals with the most important part of that: protecting the surviving children.

"Valerie lived for her boys and a part of her legacy is that the State can now protect children left in the same position as hers."

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Under the legislation, Tusla will be required to apply to the court within six months of a guardian's conviction for the murder or manslaughter of the other guardian of a child. The court may then either restrict the powers and duties of the convicted guardian or remove them from office altogether, with the child's welfare as the central consideration. The legislation also extends to cases where one guardian seriously injured another, and applies even where the killing took place before the law's commencement.

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Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has previously said the change reflects a shift in how such cases should be viewed, arguing that guardianship after one guardian kills another should be treated as a child protection matter rather than a private family dispute.

The bill's passage follows work by the Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, chaired by Matt Carthy TD, and drew cross-party backing throughout the Dáil and Seanad. Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, whose party brought forward similar legislation in 2025, was among those who welcomed its progress, having campaigned on the issue for several years.

Valerie's Law was one of several measures affecting domestic, sexual and gender-based violence advanced by the Oireachtas this week:

Jennie's Law, named for Jennifer Poole, passed the Dáil and will establish Ireland's first public register of domestic violence convictions.

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New laws on extreme pornography received Cabinet approval, criminalising the possession, production and distribution of extreme and violent material.

Sex for rent was criminalised, making it an offence to offer or advertise accommodation in exchange for sex.

A new Oireachtas committee dedicated to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence will begin a two-year term of work this autumn.

Campaigners have welcomed the progress but stressed that the changes will need proper resourcing, enforcement, and sustained investment in training and public awareness to have their intended effect. Particular thanks have gone to those who have shared personal experience of fatal domestic violence in support of the campaign — with advocates noting that protecting surviving children is just one of many issues families face in the aftermath of such crimes.