DUBLIN, IRELAND—The search for a seven-year-old boy, who is feared to be deceased, is entering its third day in north Co Dublin. The search operation, which involves the excavation of open land near the village of Donabate, is being conducted by Gardaí and members of the Garda Technical Bureau.
Gardaí have issued a public appeal for the media to respect the privacy of those connected to the investigation, stating that unsolicited contact is having a “direct negative impact.” They emphasized the need for “space and time” to conduct the search and investigation with sensitivity for all involved. The police service is continuing to engage with individuals linked to the case as they investigate the circumstances of the boy’s disappearance.
Meanwhile, Minister for Children Norma Foley described the case as “hugely disturbing” and announced that she has asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to conduct a rapid review of the case. Ms. Foley has also requested that Tusla undertake well-being checks on all cases, particularly those involving children, that were closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. She stated that Tusla has agreed to this request, with a specific focus on re-examining cases that have been closed to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.
