'SECRET BURIAL BOY HAD BEEN IN STATE CARE

THE boy at the centre of a Garda search over fears he was killed and secretly buried was in State care for at least a year before he vanished.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

This paper has confirmed he was placed in Tusla’s care shortly after his birth in 2018 until at least his first birthday - before being given back to his parents in 2020.

The boy - who was last seen in 2021 - was placed in Tusla’s care as the parents were planning on having him adopted before they changed their minds.

Last night, as Gardai continued to search land in north Dublin for any trace of the child, Tusla confirmed it had engagements with the child’s family up to 2020.

But it said there were no concerns until last month when staff contacted gardai.

Tusla said in a statement: “At the request of the family, our services had engagement with this child and their family, and these services ceased in 2020.

“Since 2020, no new referral or new information of concern was received about this child until August 2025. On foot of this we contacted An Garda Siochana.

“As is normal where there is a serious incident or death involving a child open to, or previously known to our service, we conduct a review.