An independent review has concluded that the child and family agency Tusla could not have foreseen the tragic circumstances surrounding missing schoolboy Kyran Durnin, who is feared dead.
Key Findings of the Independent Review
Children's Minister Norma Foley published recommendations from the National Review Panel (NRP) report on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025. The review examined the State's dealings with Kyran's family.
The report's overarching conclusion states the serious incident "could not have been anticipated from knowledge that was available to the Tusla Social Work Department at the time". Dr Helen Buckley, head of the NRP, emphasised that while the review identifies "practice and policy weaknesses", it does not establish a direct causal link between these failings and the outcome for Kyran.
Minister Foley stated she maintains confidence in Tusla but acknowledged the report highlighted weaknesses across Tusla and other state departments. The full report remains unpublished on advice from the Attorney General, who warned it may prejudice potential future prosecutions.
Case Background and Garda Investigation
Kyran Durnin, from Co Louth, was potentially missing for two years before authorities became aware. Gardaí suspect he may have died in 2022 when he was just six years old.
A murder investigation was launched in October 2024. Tusla raised a significant concern with police in August 2024 and initiated an internal review. The findings prompted then Minister Roderic O'Gorman to voice concern about the overall state response, leading to the referral to the independent NRP.
Minister Foley described the case as "exceptional", echoing former Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who said he had never encountered a similar case in his 40-year career.
New Safeguarding Measures Announced
In response to the review, the government has approved several key recommendations and new initiatives:
- Tracking pupil movement: A new system to monitor movement between primary schools, including cross-border movement.
- Protocol review: A review of the Tusla and An Garda Síochána joint protocol and GDPR data-sharing practices.
- New statutory footing: The Child Care Amendment Bill will place the National Review Panel on a statutory basis and improve inter-agency coordination.
- New attendance unit: A dedicated unit within Tusla, under the Department of Education, now investigates children absent from education for over 20 days.
This educational welfare office, established in July and staffed by two officers, takes referrals from school principals. If a child cannot be located, the case is escalated to Gardaí. One case has already been referred to Gardaí since the unit's establishment. In that instance, the mother of a 10-year-old boy claimed he moved to another EU country with his father, which police are working to verify.
Minister Foley affirmed her confidence in the NRP's findings and stated these systemic changes aim to prevent such a case from happening again.
