Irish authorities are searching for a seven-year-old boy who has been missing for years and is now feared dead. Gardai are investigating the disappearance of the child, who last lived in an apartment in Donabate, north Dublin.
Concerns for the boy were raised by Ireland's child and family agency Tusla and reported to gardai on Friday. Gardai began searching open ground in Donabate as part of their investigation into the boy's whereabouts.
Agency involvement timeline
Tusla became involved with the family five years ago when the young couple felt they could not care for their child. The agency arranged a fostering placement, but the parents ultimately decided to keep the boy after receiving support services.
Tusla's interactions with the family were then closed in 2020. The agency stated that no new referral or new information of concern was received about this child until August 2025, when it contacted gardai with concerns for the boy's safety and wellbeing.
Pandemic case reviews ordered
Children's Minister Norma Foley (Fianna Fáil) described the case as "hugely disturbing" and has ordered comprehensive reviews. She has instructed Tusla to undertake "wellbeing checks" on all cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In so many instances, it is such a positive that a case was closed, but given the nature of the time, Covid-19, I've asked for this wellbeing check to be done," Foley said. Tusla is conducting a rapid review of the Donabate case, which will also be examined by an independent panel.
Second similar case raises concerns
This marks the second similar case in recent years, raising questions about child protection systems. Kyran Durnin, who would be nine if still alive, was reported missing last August with a murder investigation launched in October.
New Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who took up his role this week, confirmed investigators have been unable to identify any information about the boy's whereabouts. He said there was no evidence as to whether the child is alive.
Taoiseach urges caution
Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Fianna Fáil) has warned against "rushing to conclusions" over the Donabate case. He emphasised that Ireland had a "strong and robust" child protection system despite the distressing circumstances.
"Cases do get closed, and for good reason," Martin said. "I think sometimes there tends to be a very premature reaction (of) 'let's blame Tusla for everything', and I'm not clear that that's the correct pathway initially, until we know the full facts surrounding this case."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
