Children’s Minister asks Tusla to disclose files on Kyran Durnin to review panel
By Cate McCurry, PA
The Children’s Minister has requested that Tusla sends its files on Kyran Durnin to a panel which looks into the death of any child with links to State care.
Roderic O’Gorman said this would not usually happen until an investigation has been completed, but that he has asked the Child and Family Agency to disclose any case files to the National Review Panel.
Mr O’Gorman said it will help the investigators understand the agency’s involvement in the case.
Last week, gardaí confirmed they have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of the eight-year-old, who is missing, presumed dead.
Kyran was reported missing from his home in Drogheda, Co Louth, to gardaí on August 30th.
Speaking on Monday, Mr O’Gorman said that following the conclusion of the Garda investigation, if it is found that any State agency has failed in its role, there will be “consequences”.
“Kyran’s case is deeply, deeply tragic, and I’m aware there’s an ongoing Garda investigation taking place, so I want to couch my comments in light of that,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“If any part of the State, if any State agency, State apparatus, State body failed, yes, 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 had links to the caring infrastructure of the State, that usually takes place at the end of an investigation.
“But I’ve asked Tusla already to send that now so we can understand the child and families agency’s involvement in this particular case.
“I have 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 said no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
The probe is being led by a senior investigation officer based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda station.
