Louth TD receives update on investigation into death of Private Sean Rooney

The next court hearing of persons charged in connection with the death in Lebanon of UNIFIL soldier Private Sean Rooney, is to take place in December, according to information provided to Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú by the the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence.

Deputy Ó Murchú had submitted a Parliamentary Question (PQ) on the matter, to which he received a response on Wednesday. The PQ stated:

"To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the progress being made in the investigation into the death of a solider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) in Lebanon, UNIFIL soldier Private Sean Rooney."

The response provided to the Sinn Féin TD stated: "Since 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 my Lebanese counterparts - the 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 visited Lebanon and met with the Lebanese Minister for Defence and the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.

"Last month, I met the Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in New York at the UN General Assembly  and I again raised the matter of the Lebanese criminal investigation.

"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.  

"An initial indictment hearing of persons charged in connection with the incident of 14 December, took place on 14 July with a further hearing taking place on 30 August. The next court hearing is scheduled for 15 December 2023. 

"Representatives from the Embassy in Cairo and the Consulate in Beirut have attended all hearings to date. In addition, my Department has engaged a Lebanese legal firm to represent the interests and concerns of the Irish Government at the court hearings.

"Given that this matter is now before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. However, I can assure the House that my Department, the Embassy in Cairo, the Consulate in Beirut and I will continue to monitor developments very closely.

"In addition to the criminal investigation, a number of other investigations were initiated following Private Rooney's killing. An Garda Síochána is conducting its own investigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 (as amended), for the purposes of preparing a report for the Coroner.

"The United Nations also undertook a Board of Inquiry, which has now been concluded.  As this is an internal report of the United Nations, it may not be shared with third parties or made public in any form, either in whole or in part. Consequently, the final report of the Board of Inquiry will not be published. It has, however, been shared with Ireland for official use only."

Following the repsonse, Deputy Ó Murchú has confirmed that he will be raising the matter at Questions on Promised Legislation slot in the Dáil today.