Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
18. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the investigation in Lebanon into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42039/24]
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.
I was very disappointed to learn at the most recent hearing on 7th June, that none of those indicted for the killing of Private Seán Rooney appeared in court at the hearing, and that it was adjourned until 12th February 2025.
I have continually stressed my unhappiness with the progress of the Trial to date and have made that very clear on a number of occasions directly to both Lebanese authorities, and to the UN. I continue to maintain close contact with both on this matter. When I was last in New York, in September, for the UN General Assembly High Level Week, I took the opportunity to meet with and raise the issue again with the UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and I asked him to use any channels open to him to exert influence on the issue.
A central focus of my last visit to Lebanon in May 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 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, and I most recently met with Private Rooney's family on 9th October last.
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.
