Taoiseach Micheal Martin orders independent review into events surrounding Private Rooney's death, while maintaining pressure on Lebanese authorities for justice.
The new Taoiseach , Micheal Martin , has ordered a fresh inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Irish soldier Sean Rooney in Lebanon . The inquiry, being carried out independently by senior counsel Michael Delaney, is expected to deliver its report within nine months. The announcement came from the former Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old UN peacekeeper, hailing from Dundalk, was killed when his convoy came under attack in southern Lebanon in December 2022. A number of local men with alleged ties to the Hezbollah terror group were arrested in connection with the incident, but only one has appeared in court thus far. No trials have taken place.Micheal Martin stated, 'I determined that it was necessary and appropriate to carry out a post-incident internal inquiry. This inquiry, which commenced on November 1, 2024, is being independently led by Mr Michael Delaney SC and will examine, among other matters, the training and briefing of Defence Force personnel, the planning of the convoy, the Standard Operating Procedures, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures surrounding the incident. The Independent Reviewer may identify areas for learning and recommend changes where required. However, it 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.'The Taoiseach emphasized that the Irish Government maintains close diplomatic ties with Lebanese authorities regarding the progress of their criminal investigation. He added, '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 February 12 and the Department of Defence will be represented in court at the hearing by its Beirut-based lawyer.'Seven men were initially arrested and detained in relation to Private Rooney's murder. However, only one, Mohammad Ayyad, the main suspect, has appeared before the courts. He was later released for health reasons. It is believed that some of the other accused are fugitives. Hezbollah asserts that the men who fired upon the UN convoy were not members of their organization
Sean Rooney Lebanon Hezbollah Irish Soldier UN Peacekeeper Taoiseach Micheal Martin Inquiry Justice
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