Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2014
2. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence if he will meet family members of a person (details supplied) who was killed in a training accident on 12 October 2009 to listen to their concerns; and if he will ensure that the necessary changes are made to the court of inquiry report into their son's death. [43407/14]
View answerThe family of Cadet David Jevens was devastated by his death in October 2009 and has been working since then to remove any suggestion that he had any responsibility for what happened. David's family members appreciate the assistance they have received from the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary General of the Department of Defence. My colleague, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl, is familiar with all of this as he also has been working on this case. Will the Minister agree to meet members of the family to resolve this matter finally?
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As Minister for Defence, I take the opportunity to express my sympathy for the family of Cadet David Jevens following the very tragic and difficult accident in which he lost his life. I realise it has taken a very severe toll on David's parents. We want to do everything we can to assist the family in getting through a very difficult and dark time. I will, of course, meet members of his family if that is their wish. My predecessor met them and there have been ongoing meetings at Secretary General and Chief of Staff level to try to address the results of the three inquiries that have taken place into the circumstances of this tragic accident, all of which reaffirmed the fact that David had no responsibility or fault in this matter. That is the factual position as shown in those three inquiries. We are making the appropriate statements and adjustments where necessary to assure the family that this is the factual position and is recorded as such. It is also my understanding that there is a level of agreement between the family, the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff on the issue. However, if it would be helpful and reassuring, I will be happy to meet members of David's family.
They will be very appreciative of the Minister's offer and I only urge that he meet with them as soon as possible. My understanding is the same as the Minister, namely, that the issue is very close to being resolved. Nevertheless, the family would very much like a meeting with the Minister. We can never give these parents back their son, but we can move to take away any suggestion that he had any responsibility whatsoever for the accident which caused his death. I hope the Minister will organise a meeting as soon as possible.
I am happy to do so.
