Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026: Explanatory Memorandum Published (data.oireachtas.ie)

• Court can restrict or remove guardianship if a guardian is convicted of murder, manslaughter, or a serious offence against another guardian.
• Child and Family Agency must apply within 6 months of conviction; orders require alternative care arrangements and must be in child's best interests.
• Bill allows for reviews, guardian ad litem, data sharing, and retrospective application for murder/manslaughter.

"The Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026 amends the 1964 Act to allow courts to restrict or remove the guardianship of a child when a guardian is convicted of murder, manslaughter, or a serious offence against another guardian. The Child and Family Agency must apply within six months of conviction. Orders are only made if in the child's best interests and alternative care arrangements exist. The Bill also provides for reviews, appointment of a guardian ad litem, data sharing between agencies, and retrospective application for murder and manslaughter convictions."