Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The case to which the Deputies refer is that of Private Kevin Barrett, who died on 18 February 1999 while serving with the 84th infantry battalion in Lebanon. I avail of this opportunity to express my sympathy to the family of Private Barrett on their sad loss.

The death of Private Barrett was the subject of a UN board of inquiry and an Irish contingent board of inquiry as well as a military police investigation. The coroner for north-west Donegal held an inquest into the death of Private Barrett on 5-8 September 2005. The jury returned an open verdict. I am advised the military authorities cooperated fully with the inquest into the soldier's death.

I have arranged to meet the late Private Barrett's mother in the near future. I will listen carefully to what she has to say and then consider whether any future action is called for in light of the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate accident. Pending my meeting with Mrs. Barrett I prefer not to go into detail regarding the inquiries held to date. I am sure Deputies will appreciate that this is the proper approach in a sensitive situation such as this.

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