Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
106 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in exploring ways of bringing the alleged killer of two Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon 24 years ago to justice here; the details of the review of all the files relating to the case that has recently been launched; when this review will conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1510/05]
View answer135 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Defence the situation with respect to the investigation into the murders of persons (details supplied) while on service with UNIFIL; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1388/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 135 together.
The case to which the Deputies refer relates to the killing of Private Thomas Barrett and Private Derek Smallhorne while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, in 1980. The question of the measures open to the Irish authorities to bring the alleged perpetrator of this crime to justice is currently being examined in my Department in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General's office. As Deputies will appreciate, the process is detailed and complex, involving a review of international legal provisions including the potential application of the provisions of the Geneva Convention and of all the available evidence in the case. In this regard my Department has compiled all information available from its own files, and the files of the Defence Forces and the Department of Foreign Affairs. This information has been provided to the Attorney General, who has been requested to advise my Department as to whether there is a basis available for mounting a case against the alleged perpetrator.
The advice of the Attorney General is awaited. In the event that there is sufficient evidence available to mount a case then I assure the Deputies that this will be pursued. I will ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice for Privates Barrett and Smallhorne.
