DEATH PROBE
‘Lives of Irish peacekeepers must be valued’ – Inquest into Pte Sean Rooney’s death due after major Garda investigation
The family of the soldier who was killed in Lebanon have been informed
AN IRISH inquest into the death of Private Sean Rooney is set to be held following the completion of a Garda investigation.
The family of the soldier who was killed in Lebanon have been informed of the probe which was carried out in order to prepare a report on the case for the Coroner.
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Tanaiste Micheal Martin has confirmed an Irish inquest into his shocking death will now be held shortly.
The Dundalk-based soldier lost his life, and a colleague was seriously injured, when their UN convoy was attacked in south Lebanon by armed militia linked to Hezbollah on December 14, 2022.
A number of men were arrested by the Lebanese authorities over the murder.
They were due to appear in court on June 7 last but none of them appeared in person.
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The Tanaiste told Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu in the Dail: “I was very disappointed to learn at the recent hearing that once again none of those indicted for the killing of Private Sean Rooney appeared in court.
"The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 12 February, 2025.
“I have consistently expressed both my and the Government’s 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.”
The Minister said he met both the Lebanese Foreign Minister and a legal representative of their Defence Minister on his recent visit to the country on May 18 to May 20 last.
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He added: “I left them in no doubt about the determination of the Irish Government in ensuring that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice and that the lives of Irish peacekeepers must be valued.
“I also emphasised the need to speed up the legal proceedings and the additional stress that the lack of progress is causing Private Rooney’s family.”
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar pays tribute to Irish soldier Private Sean Rooney killed in Lebanon