‘Valerie’s Law’ to Put Children First in Aftermath of Domestic Homicide
Published on: 07 May 2026
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice in the Seanad, Senator Robbie Gallagher, has welcomed Cabinet approval secured by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, to publish legislation that will remove, in certain circumstances, guardianship rights from individuals convicted of killing the other parent of their child.
The proposed legislation, the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026, widely referred to as ‘Valerie’s Law’, follows the murder of Valerie French Kilroy at her home near Westport, Co. Mayo in June 2019. Her husband, James Kilroy, was found guilty of her murder in July 2024.
Senator Gallagher said the move represents an important step towards ensuring that the law reflects the reality faced by children and families in the aftermath of such crimes.
He said:
“This is a necessary and long overdue step. Where one parent has killed the other, the law must be clear that the rights of the child come first.
“For too long, there has been an anomaly where guardianship can continue in circumstances that simply do not reflect reality. If a family has been devastated in this way, the system cannot and should not continue as if nothing has changed.”
Senator Gallagher paid tribute to Valerie’s family for their advocacy and dignity throughout the process.
He said:
“I want to acknowledge the courage and persistence of David French and his family in campaigning for this change. Their focus has consistently been on protecting children in the most difficult of circumstances, and that has helped drive this issue forward.”
David French, brother of Valerie French Kilroy, said:
“I would like to commend the Minister and the department for their work to date on this legislation.
“I’d like to emphasise that this is steady as it goes. This still needs to go to the Dáil, and that debate is important. This is the start of the process, not the end. Getting the killer out of the room is the start to supporting the children.
“Up to now, there has been a loophole in the law where guardianship continues even after a murder conviction.
“The system assumes everything continues as normal, but murder is not normal. There was an anomaly there, and this legislation begins to address it.”
Senator Gallagher added that the legislation must now be progressed without delay, while ensuring it is robust and constitutionally sound.
“At its core, this is about recognising the reality of what has happened and putting the best interests of children front and centre in every decision that follows.”