O'Gorman asks Tusla to send Kyran Durnin files to panel

Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman has asked Tusla to send its files on Kyran Durnin to a specialist panel which looks into the death of any child with links to State care.

The eight-year-old boy from Drogheda, Co Louth, is missing presumed dead.

Such a move is unusual as files would generally only be sent to the National Review Panel after a garda or other investigation has concluded.

However, Minister O'Gorman has confirmed that he has taken the step at this early stage in the garda investigation in order to understand the involvement of the Child and Family Agency in this case, and given the unusual nature of the case.

A missing person's report was filed at Drogheda Garda Station on 30 August in relation to Kyran. Gardaí were told he was last seen in the town two days earlier.

However, during the course of the inquiry, information came to light that led detectives to suspect that Kyran had been missing for more than two days.

Last week, gardaí upgraded the missing person's case to one of murder.

Speaking in Dublin today, Mr O'Gorman said he was conscious that a garda investigation is ongoing, but that once it is complete, if any State agency or body is shown to have failed the child, there would be "consequences".

"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 that usually takes place at the end of an investigation," the minister said.

"I've already asked Tusla already to send that across so we can understand [Tusla's] involvement in this particular case. 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."

Gardaí have said that, in spite of their extensive inquiries, they have been unable to find Kyran or identify any information on his current whereabouts or evidence to suggest that he is still alive.

Gardaí also believe the eight-year-old may have been killed up to two years ago.

Many questions remain as authorities try to ascertain how the disappearance of such a young boy could go unnoticed for so long.

Anyone with any information in relation to the case is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.