Missing child safeguards
Deputy O'Dowd raised the case of an eight-year-old boy missing for two years and called for mandatory protocols across education, Tusla and child welfare. The Ceann Comhairle and the Minister both said the case was appalling, and the Minister urged anyone with information to contact Gardaí while promising stronger protocols.
As a TD for County Louth, I share the views of all my constituents on the appalling vista facing us, whereby an eight-year-old boy has disappeared without trace, having been missing for at least two years. I was shocked and horrified by this. We urge anybody with information to go to the Garda immediately and urgently. It is entirely unacceptable that, in the modern world, a child can disappear into thin air.
In addition to speaking as a TD, I speak as a parent, grandparent and teacher. It is essential that mandatory protocols be put in place now in education, Tusla and child welfare services to ensure the traceability of every child who leaves an area to a different school administration area so we know where they have gone, have proof they have gone there and, even if they are outside the jurisdiction, that we follow it up. It is an entirely appalling vista and we are all shocked and horrified. We are all behind the gardaí and we should make damned sure this never happens again. If there are people accountable, they must be held to account.
Comment on this
I am struck by the fact that you cannot move a calf from one farm to another without completing a traceability document-----
Comment on this
I agree with the Ceann Comhairle. It is appalling and tragic to think we only know now about a child who has been missing for two years. It really beggars belief. I join Deputy O’Dowd in urging anyone with information to contact An Garda Síochána, regardless of whether he or she believes the information is of any or of little significance.
I have read the media reports on this case. I am concerned by many aspects of it, including interagency approaches and how it could be the case that a child could be missing for two years before we even know. Mandatory protocols need to be strengthened wherever needed. I agree with the Deputy completely that this should not have happened and should never happen again. Again, I encourage people with any information they have to contact An Garda Síochána.