A woman arrested in connection with the death of a six-year-old boy in Co Waterford on Friday has yet to be questioned by gardaí.
Emergency services discovered the body of Matthew Healy in a car in the Dunmore East area shortly after midnight on Friday morning, February 9.
The woman, who is in her 30s, was arrested almost immediately after Matthew's body was discovered, but the 24-hour period that she can be questioned during has not yet commenced as she has been undergoing a series of mental and physical checks since being taken into custody.
Detectives will only question her about Matthew's death when she has been deemed well enough.
Matthew Healy lived in Ballygunner in Co Waterford and was a student at Faithlegg National School.
His funeral is expected to take place later in the week in Watergrasshill in Co Cork, where his father James is from.
Matthew was rushed to University Hospital Waterford after his body was discovered in a car in Rathmoylan Cove early on Friday morning, but he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Irish Times, Gardaí have said that the results of a post-mortem examination will not be released due to operational reasons.
Numerous outlets reported that the results of the post-mortem were inconclusive but state that gardaí believe that Matthew died as a result of suffocation.
Matthew's body has been released to his father James following the post-mortem examination.
A statement released to the Irish Examiner on behalf of James Healy said he was deeply grateful for the prayer vigils that were held for his son over the weekend.
"Matthew's father, James Healy, expresses his deep gratitude for the several vigils that were held for his son Matthew throughout Waterford," the statement said.
"He would ask at this sad time for privacy. The details of the funeral that will take place at Watergrasshill, County Cork, will be published soon."
Faithlegg Primary School Principal Kieran O’Sullivan said in a statement that Matthew's death was a "terrible tragedy".
"We learned on Friday morning of a tragic incident involving a beloved member of our school community. The gardaí are currently involved. This is a terrible tragedy for the families, our school, and our community," O'Sullivan said in a statement.
"Our school has implemented its Critical Incident Plan and NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) psychologists are supporting our school. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved and affected by this tragedy."
Minister for Education Norma Foley also extended her condolences to Matthew's family.
"I know Matthew was a much loved and treasured member of the school community and will be greatly greatly missed by his fellow pupils, by the staff, board of management and everyone within the school community," Foley said.
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