@Drew007 said:

Donal is going through a lot these last couple months with the loss of his daughter and I am wondering if his part will be cutback next season? Losing a child is one thing and not knowing what happened to her is another, so I am wondering if he will take a leave of absence to deal with his family issues or if the studio will allow him to. Have they have started filming yet for the upcoming season?

She was gone for 12 days, she ran away although Donal keeps saying she didn't run away but is missing. She was found and returned home the day after you posted this. And, yes, he's in the new season.