Brazilian authorities requested to liaise with Gardaí for communication with the father of a missing child.

In the small town of Donabate, Co Dublin, the search for a seven-year-old boy who went missing four years ago continues. Gardai are working diligently to uncover the truth behind the boy's disappearance, with concerns that his remains may have been buried to conceal his death.

Despite extensive searches since Monday, no remains have been found. As a result, the search area has been gradually expanded. A property in Donabate, where the boy was living, was searched last weekend.

The identity of the boy's father remains unknown, as the search results do not provide this information. Gardai have already spoken by phone to the boy's mother, who lives in Ireland, and she has provided detailed information. A witness has also come forward, providing the precise location of the boy's remains on an area of waste ground in Donabate.

The search area at Portrane Road, Donabate, where the boy may have been buried, has been doubled in size by investigators. As the cause of the boy's death remains undetermined, Gardai have received conflicting statements regarding his demise.

In a recent development, Gardai are considering traveling to Brazil to interview the boy's father, who is currently living there. They are also exploring the possibility of asking Brazilian police to speak to him on their behalf or arrange a video call.

The case has been referred to the National Review Panel, set up in 2010 to review child deaths and serious incidents. The panel identifies learnings and improves the quality of services provided to children. It is commissioned by, but independent of, Tusla.

However, the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, has criticised Tusla's referral of the case to its National Review Panel. Dr Muldoon stated that the panel has no statutory power and was previously deemed not fit for purpose.

The Department of Health, on the other hand, believes the National Review Panel will play a critical role in establishing the facts of the case. Tusla concluded its involvement with the family in 2020 with no further issues arising.

The boy was in the care of the State from birth, as his parents were considering adoption but changed their minds. Tusla raised concerns about the boy's welfare last Friday, after unanswered questions about his whereabouts arose during social welfare checks.

The search for the missing boy is continuing over the weekend, with Gardai remaining hopeful that they will soon uncover the truth behind his disappearance.