Stormont Finance Minister John O'Dowd committed last week to introduce Jade's Law in Northern Ireland. The proposed legislation would remove guardianship rights from a parent who murders the other parent of their children.

The pledge follows the Republic of Ireland's advancement of Valerie's Law. That measure heads to Cabinet to address the same guardianship loophole.

Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion welcomed the Republic's move. She credited David French, brother of murder victim Valerie, for his campaign to close the gap.

Funchion called for Valerie's Law to extend across all EU member states. She noted a prior meeting at the European Parliament with David French and European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath.

McGrath committed during that meeting to explore EU-wide implementation. Funchion urged swift action to prevent families from facing such court battles.

She highlighted O'Dowd's commitment as a key step for Northern Ireland.