Children’s Minister asks Tusla to refer its handling of Kyran Durnin case to National Review Panel

Children's Minister Minister Roderic O’Gorman has asked Tusla to refer its handling of Kyran Durnin’s case to a panel that investigates the deaths of children in State care.

Minister O’Gorman confirmed that he had asked Tusla to refer the case to the National Review Panel (NRP), which would normally examine cases after a Garda investigation is complete.

Last week, Gardaí launched a murder investigation following the reported disappearance of eight-year-old Kyran, in Drogheda, Co Louth.

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Kyran and his mother were reported missing in August. However, Gardaí believe the young boy may have died up to two years ago. Kyran’s mother Dayla Durnin was found safe and well in the UK. Kyran had contact with at least one Tusla social worker before he disappeared. It is understood Kyran left school before the summer holidays in 2022. And that is the last confirmed sighting that Gardaí have of him.

The Garda investigation team upgraded Kryan’s case to a murder investigation last Wednesday and investigations are continuing. On Monday, Minister O’Gorman described the case as being “deeply tragic” and said that if any arm of the State failed Kyran, there would be consequences.

"I'm aware there's an ongoing Garda investigation taking place, so I just want to couch my comments in light of that,” said Minister O’Gorman.

"If any part of the State, if any state agency, state apparatus, state body, failed there will be consequences. From my Department's point of view, I've asked Tusla to send this case to the National Review Panel. That's the panel that looks at the death of any child who links to the caring structure of the State.

"I've no doubt other parts of the State will also be examining closely what happened here, while at the same time recognising there's an ongoing investigation into this tragedy.”

The development comes as the Irish Mirror reported Gardaí are expected to start a dig this week for missing Kyran. Investigators say they are making ‘steady progress’ in the investigation into his suspected murder. It comes as vigils were held in both Drogheda and Dundalk, Co Louth at the weekend.

Gardai have reiterated their appeal for anyone with any information on Kyran to come forward. They say any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, from members of the local community, neighbours, teachers and the public at large will be welcomed by the investigation team.

Anyone with any information in relation to the case is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041-9874200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

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