Post-Incident Inquiry into death of Dundalk soldier Private Seán Rooney underway

Micheál Martin, has announced developments regarding the tragic death of Private Sean Rooney killed in December 2022 when his convoy came under attack in Lebanon.

Speaking on the matter, on foot of a question from Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú, he confirmed the commencement of a Post-Incident Internal Inquiry on 1 November 2024.

"This inquiry, which is being independently led by Mr. Michael Delaney S.C., will examine, among other matters, the training and briefing of Defence Forces personnel, the planning of the convoy, and the Standard Operating Procedures, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures surrounding the incident," he explained.

Micheál Martin further clarified that the inquiry's aim is to identify areas for learning and recommend changes where required.
However, he stressed that "this inquiry will not investigate the criminal matters leading to Private Rooney’s death and the injuries sustained by other personnel, as these fall under the remit of the Lebanese criminal investigation." The inquiry is expected to conclude within nine months.

On the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Mr. Martin stated, "The Irish Government has continued to maintain close diplomatic contact with the Lebanese authorities regarding the progress of the Lebanese criminal investigation, through the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut." He assured: "The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case. I have personally raised the issue with my Lebanese Defence and Foreign Affairs counterparts on several occasions."

Micheál Martin also highlighted the scheduled proceedings in Lebanon, noting, "The next hearing is scheduled to take place on 12 February, and the Department of Defence will be represented in court at the hearing by its Beirut-based lawyer."

In addition to the Lebanese case, he addressed the Dublin Coroner's Court inquest into Private Rooney's death. "On 6 August last, the Coroner wrote to the UN (via the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs) requesting access to two reports on investigations carried out by the UN into the incident leading to Private Rooney's death," he said.

The Coroner also invited the UN to become an "interested party" for the inquest, though "to date, no response has been received from the UN regarding either request."

He further assured the public and Private Rooney’s family that all developments are being closely monitored. "Private Rooney’s family is being kept informed of all developments," he said, adding that it would not be appropriate to comment further as the matter is before the Lebanese judicial system.

Speaking after raising the matter with Micheál Martin, Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú welcomed progress on certain aspects of the investigation but expressed frustration at delays and a lack of cooperation from the United Nations.
Ó Murchú welcomed the Post-Incident Internal Inquiry initiated by the Department of Defence, which will examine operational protocols, planning, and training related to the tragic incident.

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“We’re very glad this is happening,” he said. “We want to make sure that there are whatever learnings can happen... and any changes that are required.”

The Dundalk TD expressed serious dissatisfaction with the UN’s failure to respond to requests for information from the Dublin Coroner’s Court and the Irish government, saying: “It’s not good enough that they are not providing this information to the Coroner,” Ó Murchú said.

“Sean Rooney was not only there as a member of the Defence Forces, he was there as a member of UNIFIL. The United Nations has a duty of care.”

He also acknowledged the complexities of the situation but stressed the importance of timely progress.

“We need due diligence shown... but we need to make sure that this is done as swiftly as possible,” he said. “We need to ensure the engagement with Lebanese authorities... and that the UN also do the same to ensure that we strive for justice in relation to the criminal case and the judicial process there.”