Justice minister ‘concerned’ as second Tusla-linked child missing and presumed dead
Gardai pictured during a search at an area of open ground on the Portrane Road, Donabate, where they are continuing their search for the remains of a child, presumed dead. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that having two active cases where children previously involved with Tusla are missing and presumed dead is “concerning.”
Gardaí said they are investigating the disappearance of a boy, who would now be seven years old, and who last lived in an apartment in Donabate, north Dublin.
Concerns about the boy were raised by Ireland’s child and family agency Tusla and reported to gardaí on Friday. Gardaí then launched a search of open ground in Donabate.
The agency had previously engaged with the missing child’s family five years ago.
Mr O'Callaghan cautioned against “jumping to conclusions” about whether Tusla is fit for purpose while investigations are ongoing.
“I think we should really await the outcome of what is a very sensitive and difficult investigation,” he told on RTÉ.
Mr O'Callaghan said he has spoken to the garda commissioner and confirmed that gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry.
“I think we should await the outcome of the garda investigation before we start jumping to conclusions in respect of Tusla," he said.
“If the child died and has been buried secretly, that is a very serious issue. But primary responsibility for that rests with the individuals who did it.”
Mr O’Callaghan confirmed that children's minister Norma Foley has requested a review of Tusla cases.
“I think there may be questions down the line for Tusla," Mr O'Callaghan said.
“When you're dealing with situations like this, you need to get all the information and we don't have all the information yet in respect of the child who's being searched for in Donabate.
“It’s a developing story and I know the Gardaí are doing very difficult work out in Donabate but it's important that that concludes before we start jumping to conclusions.”
The search for the missing boy, last seen alive at about three-and-a-half years old four years ago, continues today on waste ground on the outskirts of Donabate.
Ms Foley described the case as “hugely disturbing” and has asked Tusla to conduct well-being checks on cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The boy was placed in foster care after his parents, who were very young, approached Tusla for help and asked about adoption.
However, the parents later changed their minds, and Tusla arranged for the boy to return home. It remains unclear if Tusla carried out welfare checks afterwards or for how long.
The case comes exactly one year after another child, Kyran Durnin, was reported missing in Drogheda, Co Louth.
Kyran, who should now be nine, has been missing for more than three years and is also presumed dead.
His mother reported him unwell with covid-19 in May 2022, and he never returned to school that year. The school was later told he had moved to Northern Ireland.
