Independent National Review Panel to investigate death of Sinéad O’Connor’s son Shane as messages of sympathy pour in

A missing person search for the 17-year-old was stood down on Saturday after his remains were discovered in Bray, Co Wicklow.

It is now expected that a series of inquiries will get underway. Gardaí are assisting the coroner in preparing a file for the inquest, while the National Review Panel (NRP) - which examines serious incidents including the deaths of children known to child protection services - will also investigate his death.

In a series of tweets, Sinéad O’Connor questioned why her son was allowed to leave Tallaght Hospital on Thursday, where she said he was admitted following two “severe suicide attempts”.

Shane was also under the care of Tusla, the child and family protection agency.

“I have now formally identified the remains of my son, Shane. May God forgive the Irish State, for I never will,” she said.

The singer has made a series of allegations against the HSE, Tusla and mental health services.

Tusla has not released a statement, while the HSE said it cannot comment on individual cases.

Last night, the singer said her son had previously left notes, including detailed funeral plans.

“Shaney, babba, stick with me. Wherever you may also be, please stick with me. My baby, I don’t know how I’m going to live without you,” she wrote.

“I would like to thank all care staff at Riverside for the love you gave Shane. You did your best at all times. He loves you for it and so do I. Be at peace.”

She also thanked Shane’s father, Donal Lunny. “You did your best too, Donal. And Shane adored you. And I will always remember how sweet you have been to him. You have been a lovely father. I am so sorry for your loss.”

There has been a huge outpouring of support for Ms O’Connor and her family. Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has said he was praying she can be comforted and find strength following the death of her son.

He wrote: “Sinéad you have always been there for me and for so many people, you have been a comfort & a soul who is not afraid to feel the pain of the suffering.

“You have always tried to heal & help.

“I pray that you can be comforted & find strength, healing & peace in your own sorrow & loss.

“He was a beautiful boy and I loved him. I pray that he can be at peace and also be able to stay connected with you. Love Shane”

The principal of Shane’s school paid tribute to the 17-year-old.

Billy Redmond, the principal of North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School, where Shane attended, said: “It is with profound sadness that the Board of Management, staff and students of North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School have learned of the tragic death of Shane O’Connor, a past student of the school.

“The school’s Student Support Team is offering support to the students in school as appropriate.

“Our sincerest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Shane at this difficult time.”

Representatives of Sinéad O’Connor said: “We politely ask for respect and appreciation for Sinead, Shane’s father and Shane’s family at this most difficult time.”

Others who offered their sympathy were singer Imelda May, who shared a poem written by Shane on Twitter and said: “Wise words from a beautiful boy. May he rest in peace and rise with love. I send my love to you @OhSineady and @donallunny on the loss of your beloved son.”

US actor Alec Baldwin shared his condolences, saying: “My God, I’m so sorry.”

And former Pogues member Cait O’Riordan wrote: “I’m so sorry Sinéad.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article visit www.independent.ie/service/helplines-40487532.html or contact Samaritans by calling 116 123 (freephone) or emailing jo@samaritans.ie.