Gardaí are investigating the deaths of a husband and wife and their two young daughters, whose bodies were discovered in their home in Monagear, Co Wexford, this afternoon.
The deceased were Adrian and Ciara Dunne, believed to be in their 20s, and their daughters Leanne and Shania, aged three and five.
The four bodies are being removed from the home where they were found.
They will be taken to Wexford General Hospital for a post mortem due to take place tomorrow.
Gardaí were contacted about the family on Friday and they in turn contacted the Health Services on Saturday.
Supt Kevin Donohue of the Garda Press Office told reporters that the deaths appear to be a terrible human tragedy.
He said that the bodies of the two girls and the woman were found in the sitting room of the house and the body of the man was found in the hallway.
Supt Donohue said gardaí contacted the Health Service Executive after concerns over the safety of some people in the house was expressed to them.
In a statement this evening the HSE said: 'The Childcare Manager reminded the gardaí of the out-of-hours services, including the Childcare Act which allows the gardaí to remove a child to a place of safety.'
Supt Donohue said that at this stage gardaí are not seeking anyone out in relation to the deaths.
A local priest has described the deaths as a terrible tragedy.
Fr Richard Redmond, from the Clonroche area, said he had spoken with the husband and wife on Friday evening for two hours because of concerns regarding their safety.
He also said gardaí were aware of his concerns.
The area has been designated a crime scene and the Garda Technical Bureau and State Pathologist have been requested to attend the scene.
