Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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.

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