Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
6. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the status of the investigation into the killing of a member of the Defence Forces in Lebanon in December 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4946/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress being made in the investigation into the death in Lebanon of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4386/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if has he full confidence in the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied) following his visit to Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5031/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 55 and 63 together.
On 14th December 2022, eight personnel from the 121st Infantry Battalion were involved in an incident resulting in the death of Private Seán Rooney and injuries suffered by a number of others, including Trooper Shane Kearney who suffered critical injuries.
This tragic event has brought home to all of us the fragility of peace in Lebanon and the tragedy that war and conflict can bring to so many innocent people.
In addition to a Defence Forces multi-disciplinary team investigation into the operational circumstances of the fatal incident, Private Rooney's death is also the subject of a number of parallel investigations, in particular the criminal investigation being carried out by the Lebanese authorities as well as the standard UNIFIL investigation that arises in relation to such situations. An Garda Síochána, pursuant to the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 (as amended), are carrying out an investigation for the purposes of preparing report for the Coroner.
The House will appreciate that it is not appropriate for me to comment further in relation to any of these investigations at this time.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit and meet with the personnel of the 121st Inf Battalion. As well as being able to express my sympathy and that of the Government on the loss of their colleague, Private Sean Rooney, it also gave me the opportunity to express my appreciation for the work that they and hundreds of other Defence Forces personnel are doing to contribute to peace and stability in fragile regions of the world.
During my trip to Lebanon, I met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and he indicated to me that, upon completion of the investigation, Ireland will be informed of the findings, which is likely to be some time later in February.
I also met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence Mr Maurice Sleem, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Emigrants Dr Abdullah Bou Habib during by recent visit. I underlined to the Lebanese Ministers the need to ensure that the ongoing Lebanese investigation into Private Rooney's death, is as thorough as possible. I reiterated the Irish Government's determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident in which Private Rooney was killed are fully established and that those responsible are brought to justice.
While these investigations are underway, I don’t propose to speculate on the circumstances of the incident and nor would it be helpful for me to do so.
As I said when I was in Lebanon last week, the Government is absolutely determined that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The tradition of UN Peacekeeping, in which we have participated for over 60 years, is about saving lives and ensuring others can enjoy the gift of peace. This is the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of that noblest of objectives – the pursuit of peace.
