Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
140. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence to report on any progress made in the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in Lebanon (details supplied); when the independent post-incident inquiry will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32717/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his continued engagement and longstanding interest in this deeply serious matter, and I again want to acknowledge Private Seán Rooney and the ultimate sacrifice he paid in his duty and service in Lebanon. The loss suffered by Private Rooney’s family, and the enduring impact of his death, cannot be overstated. I remain absolutely committed to following on from the commitment of my predecessors, in ensuring that we uncover the truth and get justice for Private Rooney, and in particular for his family.
As previously outlined, following the judgment delivered in Beirut on 28th July last year, the Tánaiste, then Minister for Defence, engaged directly with the Lebanese authorities to urge that an appeal be lodged on the grounds of the perceived leniency of sentencing. He was subsequently informed that an appeal had been initiated and sought further detail on the appeal process from the Lebanese Ministers for Defence and Justice.
I can confirm that there has been no change in the status of the appeal since this matter was last addressed. I think given the current circumstances in Lebanon we can appreciate the impact on the delay in the progression of the issue arising from the conflict. Nevertheless, my Department’s Lebanese legal representative continues to engage with the President of the Military Cassation Tribunal to seek updates on its progress. We remain advised that the Tribunal has not yet reached a determination and that it must first allow the statutory period for responses from the convicted individuals to conclude before the appeal can be considered. My officials remain in close and ongoing contact with our legal representative as we await further developments.
I remain fully engaged on this issue and am committed to ensuring that Private Rooney’s family continues to be kept informed on developments. Notwithstanding the recent escalation in the security situation in the region, it is still my hope to travel to Lebanon later this year, and I will raise Private Rooney’s case directly with the Lebanese Government.
Separately, the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Private Rooney remains ongoing. It continues to progress through the procedural phase, with the next hearing scheduled for the 7th May next.
Finally, the independent inquiry carried out by Mr Michael Delaney S.C. has been completed. I again wish to acknowledge and thank Mr Delaney for his work on the Report. As mentioned previously the Report examined the internal tactics, techniques, processes and procedures of the Defence Forces, with a view to identifying lessons arising from the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney’s death. I have reviewed the Report and have referred it to the Office of the Attorney General for advice regarding its publication, which remains awaited. I will give further consideration to the matter once the Attorney General’s advice issues.
Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 125.
