Justice Committee to meet for pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 with David French and Department officials

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House between 15:00-17:00. 

The Committee will hear from Mr David French.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Matt Carthy said: “We welcome the opportunity to hear from the brother of the late Valerie French on the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025 which examines proposals to remove guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partners or a parent of their child.”

“The General Scheme of the Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025, is intended to protect vulnerable children from further trauma and to provide clarity for surviving family members.”

“Valerie French, a 41-year-old mother of three young sons, was killed in June 2019 by her husband, at their home near Westport in Co Mayo.”

“Mr French is among those who have campaigned for the new law - also known as Valerie’s Law - to remove automatic child guardianship rights from those convicted of killing their partner or the other parent of their child.”

“We look forward to hearing the views of Mr French on the Bill and other related matters.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.