A LAW aimed at preventing murderers from automatically keeping their guardianship rights has passed its first stage in the Dáil.

Valerie’s Law is in memory of Leap woman Valerie French who was murdered by her husband James Kilroy in Co. Mayo in June 2019. Her brother David French, who has campaigned for the legislation for the past two years, said the family were honoured to see the Dáil debate last week.

‘Two of Valerie’s sisters were in the gallery with one watching Óireachtas TV from Australia,’ he said. ‘The cross-party support for this much needed legislation was very evident and it’s great to see the system working to protect the best interests of children in this terrible situation.’
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, introduced the Bill, which received wide backing.

‘When you have a human story behind a piece of legislation, or when somebody is prepared to advocate from a very personal point of view, it can have a very significant impact on the Houses of the Oireachtas,’ Minister O’Callaghan said.

‘I commend David French, brother of Valerie, who was murdered by her spouse. His love for his sister and nephews, his tenacity and relentless campaigning are largely why we are having this debate today,’ said Deputy Máire
Devine (SF).

Labour Deputy Aidan Farrelly said it was a very rare occasion in his short spell as a TD to see such overwhelming support for legislation. Deputy Ruth Coppinger (PbP) said: ‘It has been a long time coming but we need much more legal change in the area of gender-based violence.’

The Bill will go before the Select Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in its next stage.