Valerie's Law signed into law by the President
Valerie's Law focuses on protecting surviving children which is one issue among many facing people in the horrific aftermath of these crimes.
The President of Ireland has signed the Bill to make Valerie's Law into the Statute Book, and it officially became law on Tuesday evening.
The new legislation automatically ends guardianship rights for a parent convicted of killing their child's other parent.
The Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026 — widely known as Valerie's Law — passed its final stage in the Oireachtas last Wednesday, July 15.
Named in memory of Valerie French
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 became law, Valerie's brother, David French, said the progress was thanks to the work of Minister Jim O'Callaghan and the Committee for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, chaired by Matt Carthy TD, along with welcome cross-party support from across the Oireachtas in both the Dáil and Seanad, particularly from Holly Cairns TD.
"Thanks to all the Ministers, TDs and Senators who have supported this over the years. Thanks also to the media, researchers, domestic violence organisations and general public who have provided advice, support and encouragement throughout," he said.
He added particular thanks were owed to those who shared personal experience of fatal domestic violence, noting that Valerie's Law focuses on protecting surviving children — one issue among many facing people in the horrific aftermath of such crimes.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD confirmed the news, saying: "I am pleased to confirm that the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Act — Valerie's Law — has now been signed into law by the President. Today we remember Valerie French and her family."