Valerie’s Law: New Legislation to Remove Guardianship Rights from Spousal Killers

David French has welcomed plans by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, to introduce legislation, dubbed «Valerie’s Law», which will withdraw guardianship rights from a parent who has killed their spouse. The bill is set to be presented to Cabinet tomorrow.

Valerie French, a 41-year-old mother of three young sons, was murdered in June 2019 by her husband, James Kilroy, at their home near Westport in Co Mayo. David French, Valerie’s brother, expressed gratitude for the department’s work, emphasizing that this is a crucial step for child protection, prioritizing children’s best interests over a killer’s so-called rights.

French highlighted the disconnect where a criminal court verdict had no implications for family or property law until now. He looks forward to the Dáil debate, acknowledging the complexity and the constitutional issues previously raised, but stressing the importance of this legislation for child protection and for Valerie’s children.