In a deeply unsettling development, human skeletal remains believed to be those of Daniel Aruebose, a seven-year-old boy missing for several years, were discovered on a site in Donabate, County Dublin. The remains, found on Portrane Road, are set to undergo a paediatric post-mortem examination later this week, as reported by Irish broadcaster RTÉ. The discovery has prompted urgent calls for an independent statutory review into the case, which was raised in the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, on Thursday. Concerns about Daniel’s whereabouts were initially flagged last month by Tusla, the state agency responsible for child welfare and protection. The area where the remains were found had been under investigation for weeks, following an initial examination at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, where Daniel lived. Gardaí have announced a “careful and sensitive exhumation” will be conducted, with DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the remains. Tánaiste Simon Harris described the situation as “horrific and tragic,” emphasizing the need to establish facts before drawing conclusions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments, calling the discovery “deeply shocking and sad,” while cautioning against a “rush to judgement.” Ireland’s Minister for Children, Norma Foley, confirmed that a rapid review by Tusla and the National Review Panel will examine the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s disappearance. Tusla revealed it last had contact with Daniel’s family five years ago, raising questions about the agency’s follow-up procedures. The case has also prompted Tusla to initiate wellbeing checks on cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.