Two reports into the removal of two Roma children from their families last month are to be ready this week.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter says he is expecting a report from the gardaí by Friday, while the Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald is expecting one from the Health Service Executive (HSE) at the same time.

Both will be given to Children's Ombudsman Emily Logan who will launch her own inquiry. Minister Shatter says there will not be an imposed deadline for that report.

It comes after two Roma children were removed from their homes back in October. A 7-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy were put back with families after DNA tests confirmed their identities.

Mr. Shatter has previously revealed that the health services had intervened to remove children from their families almost 3,000 times in the last four years.

Pictured above: Iancu Muntean with his mother & father outside their home in Athlone. Image: Frank McGrath/Irish Independent