Kilkenny MEP calls for Valerie's Law in Ireland

Kathleen Funchion, MEP for Ireland South and former TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, has raised the urgent need for the incoming government to implement Valerie’s Law and for an EU-wide strategy to deal with vicarious violence.

Valerie's Law derives its name from Irish woman Valerie French, a senior occupational therapist and mother of three who was murdered by her husband in June 2019.

Valerie's brother, David French, first called for the introduction of Valerie's Law, which would see guardianship rights stripped from parents convicted of domestic homicide. 

Speaking in Strasbourg, MEP Funchion said:

"I want to raise the issue of domestic violence and a law we should be enacting called Valerie's Law.

"Currently an absolutely horrific loop hole exists within the law in Ireland and other member states, which means that when a partner intentionally kills their partner, that person still retains guardianship rights of their shared children.

"It is difficult to believe that this is still the case, and that family and loved ones of those murdered, already going through the worst thing imaginable have to deal with the added trauma of challenging this in the courts.

"I want to commend David French, from Cork in Ireland. He has been campaigning vigorously to get this law changed.

"I want to call on the incoming Irish Justice Minister to change this in Ireland and enact Valerie's law without delay.

"I also call on this Parliament and the justice Commissioner to ensure that Valerie's Law is enacted throughout the member states.”