Gardaí have ruled out foul play in the death of a new-born baby boy following the results of a post-mortem on the remains of the infant, which were found in a house in west Cork on Tuesday afternoon.
Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster carried out a post-mortem on the infant's remains at Cork University Hospital late on Tuesday night and it is understood that she found no evidence that the baby - which was full term - had suffered any injuries.
Gardaí are still waiting to talk to the baby's mother - a woman in her early 20s - who is currently receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital in Dublin after checking in there at the end of August.
"We're anxious to talk to this young woman, and we've spoken to the doctors treating her and will wait until we receive the all clear from them to talk to her - there isn't any urgent need to talk to her and we're happy to wait until she's made a full recovery," said the spokesman.
Gardaí will wait until the woman can be interviewed and will take a statement from her for inclusion along with Dr Bolster's findings, in a report which they will prepare for a coroners court, where an inquest will be held into the death of the infant boy.
Investigating officers believe from the post-mortem results that the young woman gave birth to the little boy at least two weeks ago, but they have not said whether they believe the baby was stillborn, or died shortly after birth.
The infant's body was found, wrapped in clothing in a suitcase in an annexe off a bathroom in the young woman's family home in the Dunmanway area, by her middle-aged parents at around lunch hour on Tuesday.
The parents were not aware that their daughter was pregnant.
Local Garda technical experts sealed off the house and carried out a preliminary examination of the scene, and following consultation with the Garda Technical Bureau in Dublin, they requested the services of Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster.
Gardaí yesterday reiterated their appeal for privacy for the family.
The woman's parents have travelled to Dublin to be with their daughter.
Gardaí have asked that the matter be treated with sensitivity by the media and that the family's privacy be respected.
