A report carried out by the HSE into the removal of two Roma children from their families has identified a breakdown in communication between the Gardai and the HSE.

It's emerged that Gardai didn't contact local social workers when they removed the two year old Roma boy from his family in Co Westmeath.

According to the Sunday Times, officers involved used an emergency helpline to arrange accommodation for the young boy and that the HSE was not made aware of his removal until the following morning.

The report, along with a Garda report, will be handed to the Children's Ombudsman who will now carry out her own investigation into both cases.