Government launch new inquiry into killing in Lebanon of Private Sean Rooney
The family of Private Sean Rooney has pressed the UN to make crucial reports linked to the soldier’s death available to his inquest, which is set to continue in Dublin in January.
The Government has announced a new inquiry into the killing in Lebanon of Private Sean Rooney.
The 24-year-old from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed when a convoy of Irish troops serving with a UN peacekeeping force was ambushed and fired upon in December 2022.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin announced he has appointed Senior Counsel Michael Delaney to conduct an independent post-incident inquiry into the events of December 14, 2022 in Al-Aqbiya, Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Private Rooney and injuries to other members of the Irish Defence Forces. The inquiry is expected to take nine months.
The inquiry will not investigate the criminal matters that led to the death of Private Rooney, which is the subject of a criminal investigation being carried out by the Lebanese authorities, and will also be separate to the ongoing inquest process being conducted by the Dublin Coroner.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Mr Martin have both raised concern about “slow progress” in Lebanese court proceedings into the matter. Mr Harris raised the delay in a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati two weeks ago, saying that the delay was “not fair” on the Rooney family.
One of the suspects arrested over the killing was released on bail last year due to a medical condition, while Mr Harris has expressed frustration that other suspects remain at large.
Reports have been prepared by the Defence Forces, the UN, and An Garda Síochána in relation to the killing and Mr Delaney has been tasked with consolidating these into a single report covering work-related issues around the incident.
The Rooney family has pressed the UN to make crucial reports linked to the soldier’s death available to his inquest, which is set to continue in Dublin in January.