A technical and forensic examination has resumed at the farmyard, outhouses and adjoining lands of missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.
Last night, gardaí confirmed materials recovered as part of the investigation into his disappearance are partial human remains.
The discovery was made as slurry was being spread on fields close to the farmyard.
Gardaí said DNA analysis will be required to confirm the identification of materials recovered yesterday.
However, they added it is most probable that the partial human remains are those of Mr Gaine, who was also known as Mike.
State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley left the crime scene, which the farmyard has been designated, just before 6pm yesterday.
Members of the Garda Technical Bureau continued their work until light faded.
Mr Gaine has been missing since 20 March and was formally reported missing the following day on 21 March.
For six weeks, his disappearance was treated by gardaí as a missing person’s case.
However, on 29 April, the investigation was reclassified as a homicide.
The re-classification of the investigation followed an assessment by gardaí heading up the investigation that Mr Gaine was dead and that he died by homicide.
Homicide covers the possibility that Mr Gaine may have been murdered as well as the possibility that he died as a result of the actions of another, even if those actions were not intentional, manslaughter, for instance.
A missing person’s investigation operates on the basis of consent, with the goodwill of people involved.
But now that the investigation into Mr Gaine’s disappearance is a criminal, homicide investigation, gardaí could go to court and secure court orders and warrants to seize and examine certain items, such as mobile phones and laptops.
They could also get warrants to search homes and other properties.
Re-classification means the range of options in front of the investigation team significantly increased.
