Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
98. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation into the death in Lebanon of a UNIFIL soldier (details supplied). [27950/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion were injured, I have consistently expressed both my and the Government's determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
An initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident took place on 14 July 2023, with further hearings taking place on 30 August 2023, 15 December 2023 and most recently on 07 June 2024. The Irish Government was represented in court at all these hearings by its Beirut-based lawyer and the Irish Ambassador.
A central focus of my most recent visit to Lebanon (on 18-20 May last) was my meeting with the Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and the legal representative of the Lebanese Minister for Defence. I left the Lebanese Minister and officials in no doubt with regard to the absolute determination of the Irish Government in ensuring that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice and that lives of Irish peacekeepers must be valued. I also emphasised the need to speed up the legal proceedings and the additional distress that the lack of progress is causing Private Rooney's family.
I was very disappointed to learn at the most recent hearing on 7th June, that, once again, none of those indicted for the killing of Private Seán Rooney appeared in court at the hearing. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 12 February 2025.
Following the hearing, I have again stressed my unhappiness with the progress of the Trial to date and have made that very clear directly to both Lebanese authorities and to the UN. We continue to maintain close contact with them on this matter.
I will continue to make strong representations in this matter with the Lebanese authorities and with the United Nations. Private Rooney’s family has been, and will continue to be, kept informed of developments as they happen.
Separately, I understand that the investigation by An Garda Síochána for the purposes of preparing a report for the Coroner is complete, and the Defence Forces have supported this investigation. An inquest hearing into Private Rooney's death is expected to take place shortly.
Finally, I wish to assure the House that my Department, the Embassy in Cairo, the Consulate in Beirut and I will continue to monitor developments and to push for progress in this regard very closely.
