Vol. 516 No. 6
140 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the investigation, if any, held into the deaths on 14 February 2000 of four Irish soldiers serving with UNIFIL in the Lebanon; if he has satisfied himself that there is adequate safe transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8791/00]
The following investigations are being conducted into the accident which occurred on 14 February 2000, which resulted in the tragic deaths of Privates Declan Deere, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Matthew Lawlor and John Murphy:
–UNIFIL Board of Inquiry,
–Irish Contingent Board of Inquiry,
–Lebanese Police Inquiry.
None of these investigations is as yet complete. I have been assured by the military authorities that all transport in use in UNIFIL and other missions, where Irish troops are serving, is subject to regular maintenance and safety checks.
