Gardaí investigating the disappearance and death of 56-year-old sheep farmer Michael Gaine from Kenmare in Co Kerry say human tissue found on his farm has been identified as his remains.
The confirmation was issued by the Garda Press Office in response to questions from RTÉ News.
Mr Gaine, also known as Mike, went missing from his farm in Kenmare on 20 March.
The confirmation comes nine days after human tissue was discovered in fields on Mr Gaine's farm where slurry was being spread by a family friend.
The discovery led to the farmyard and a number of adjoining fields being sealed off and declared a crime scene by investigating gardaí.
Since then, the area has been forensically and technically examined and searched by members of the Garda Technical Bureau, assisted by local Garda search teams and by members of the Defence Forces.
Gardaí confirmed that the scene remains cordoned off and searches are continuing.
A man in his 50s, who was arrested last Sunday on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder, was subsequently released without charge.
The man has denied any involvement in Mr Gaine's disappearance.
The investigation into Mr Gaine's disappearance is being co-ordinated from an incident room at Killarney garda station and a garda liaison officer has been assigned to keep Mr Gaine's family briefed on developments.
Gardaí continue to appeal for public assistance in relation to Mr Gaine's disappearance.
Gardaí say the investigation team can be contacted at Killarney garda station on 064 667 1160, the garda confidential line at 1800 666 111, or through any member of An Garda Síochána.
