Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
496. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Defence when he will publish the findings of the independent review by retired High Court judge, Mr. Justice Roderick Murphy, of the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce while serving with the Irish battalion of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon on 27 April 1981, in Dayr Ntar, a village in south Lebanon. [37760/15]
View answerIn December 2014, I appointed former High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Roderick Murphy to conduct an independent review of the investigation of the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce (Caomhán Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving as members of the Irish Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Privates Doherty and Joyce were serving with UNIFIL in 1981 when, on 27 April 1981, an observation post at Dayr Ntar manned by them came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. The attackers are unknown. Over the years, extensive diplomatic and military efforts to locate Private Joyce have proved fruitless. To date, no information has been elicited to lead to the recovery of Private Joyce’s remains.
In late June 2015, Mr. Justice Roderick Murphy presented his report to me. Following a review of his report a number of clarifications were raised with Mr Murphy which he is currently addressing. I also sought legal advice from the Attorney General in relation to the publication of the report. The matter is nearing a conclusion and I intend to publish the report, once all legal and other issues arising from the report have been addressed.
