Priest says ‘state neglect was major factor’ in Daniel McAnaspie’s death

THE neglect of the State and an underfunded childcare system were major contributory factors in the death of murdered teenager Daniel McAnaspie, mourners at his funeral mass heard yesterday.

Social justice campaigner Fr Peter McVerry said the state’s childcare system had failed to protect Daniel, whose body was found dumped in a ditch in Rathfeigh, Co Meath, on May 13, almost three months after he was reported missing.

However, Fr McVerry said the death of the 17-year-old youth, while in the care of the Health Service Executive, had created a momentum for change and reform of the childcare system.