Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
173. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the interaction the Government has had with Lebanese authorities in relation to the death of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37130/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the events of 14th December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed and a number of his colleagues from the 121st Battalion injured, I have consistently expressed my determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident are fully established and that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
On 26 January, I visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence. I impressed upon them the need to ensure that the Lebanese investigation was as thorough and complete as possible.
In March, the Ceann Comhairle also visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence and the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.
Through the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut, the Irish Government has maintained close diplomatic contact with the Lebanese authorities in relation to the progress of the Lebanese criminal investigation, which is one of a number of investigations carried out since the events of 14 December 2022.
In Lebanon, an initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident of 14 December last year, took place on 14 July. Proceedings in this case were postponed until 30 August 2023, to allow time for the Lebanese authorities to issue the appropriate notifications in respect of six defendants who did not present themselves at the initial hearing.
The indictment hearing was attended by the Irish Ambassador to Lebanon as well as by a Lebanese legal firm, engaged by the Department of Defence to represent the interests and concerns of the Irish Government at that and all subsequent court hearings.
Given that this matter is now before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time, other than to say that I and my Department will continue to monitor developments very closely.
