Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026: Restrictions on Convicted Guardians (data.oireachtas.ie)

• Courts can restrict or remove guardianship of a guardian convicted of murder or manslaughter of the co-guardian.
• Child and Family Agency must apply within six months, with possible extension.
• Similar provisions apply for other serious offences causing harm to the other guardian.
• Orders require consideration of child's best interests and availability of alternative guardian or care order.

"The Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2026, initiated in the Oireachtas, amends the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 to allow courts to restrict or remove guardianship of a child if a guardian is convicted of murder or manslaughter of another guardian. The Child and Family Agency must apply to court within six months. Similar provisions apply for serious offences with long sentences. Courts consider the child's best interests and may allow review if circumstances change or conviction is quashed. The bill ensures another guardian or care order is in place before orders take effect."