Significant developments in case of Pvt Sean Rooney

An Tánaiste Micheal Martin has provided a significant update in relation to the tragic death of Private Sean Rooney who was killed while serving in Lebanon in December 2022. The 24 year old from Muirhevnamor in Dundalk was killed when his UN Peacekeeping convoy was attacked near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon.

Last Wednesday in the Dáil Sinn Fein TD Ruairí Ó Murchú asked An Tánaiste if he would provide an update on the investigation being carried out into the death in Lebanon of Private Sean Rooney. He also asked for an update on any interaction that there has been between the government and the United Nations in relation to the Dundalk man’s death.

Replying to Deputy Ó Murchú, An Tánaiste Michael Martin confirmed that a Post Incident Internal Inquiry had commenced on 1st November. He also confirmed that the next hearing for the criminal investigation would take place in Lebanon on 12th February.

“I last updated the Deputy on the investigation on 17 October 2024 and today I am happy to advise him of some significant developments since then,” revealed An Tánaiste.

“I have determined that it was necessary and appropriate to carry out a Post-Incident Internal Inquiry. This inquiry, which commenced on 1 November 2024, is being independently led by Mr. Michael Delaney S.C., and 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.

“The Independent Reviewer may identify areas for learning and recommend changes where required. But is is important to note 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.

“As I mentioned, work on the inquiry commenced on 1 November 2024 and is anticipated to be finalised within nine months,” he added.

“In relation to the Lebanese civil case, 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.

“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. I will continue to make strong representations to the Lebanese authorities and the United Nations on this matter. Private Rooney’s family is being kept informed of all developments.

“The next hearing is scheduled to take place on 12 February. The Department of Defence will be represented in court at the hearing by its Beirut-based lawyer.
Given that this matter is before the Lebanese judicial system, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time. However, I, along with the Department of Defence, the Embassy in Cairo, and the Consulate in Beirut, will continue to monitor developments very closely.

“The Dublin Coroner’s Court is also carrying out a hearing into Private Rooney’s death, the next hearing of which will be held on 24th January next. 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.

“In her correspondence, the Coroner also requested that the UN become an “interested party” for the purposes of the inquest. To date, no response has been received from the UN regarding either request. The Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs continue to engage with the UN on this matter, and I continue to be kept appraised of the situation,” concluded An Tánaiste.

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