The family of the 2-year-old boy in Athlone say they are not sure what course of action they will now take. Iancu Muntean Junior from Athlone in Co. Westmeath was taken from his parents amid unfounded concerns that he had been abducted.

He was noticed because of his blond hair and blue eyes which were not similar to his parents. He was returned to them a short time later.

Gardaí and the HSE have been asked to report to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Children within the next two weeks.

It follows a similar case in the Tallaght area of Dublin, where a a 7-year-old blonde haired and blue-eyed girl was taken from her family and placed in the care of the State.

Both children underwent DNA tests to determine their identities and were reunited with their Roma families.

A number of representative groups - including the Irish Traveller Movement and the Migrant Rights Centre - are expressing concerns about the removal of the two children.

Speaking to the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk, Iancu Muntean says they are just happy to have their son back.

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