Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I join the Minister in expressing sympathy to the family of the late Private Kevin Barrett. This is a tragic case and I warn the Minister that at the meeting Mrs. Barrett will express grave dissatisfaction at the way she was treated. The way this woman and her family were treated is nothing short of scandalous. I am not sure where the blame lies but this side of the House wants the Minister to initiate a Garda inquiry into the matter. The Minister might also examine the workings of his own Department and consider why material was not forthcoming when sought by one of the legal teams for the family. The material was not received until the inquest opened in Donegal in September this year. The military police sergeant who investigated the matter stated that something was not quite right about this shooting. On several occasions he sought the reopening of the case. The coroner expressed an open verdict on the case. One statement was withdrawn at the inquest and there is cause for concern. It is regrettable that we must wait on the actions of a mother bereaved of a son before we take action.

I am an advocate of Irish people serving overseas and making a contribution. Tragedies have happened and will happen again. It is crucial to have structures in place so that families can have confidence in what they are told happened. When a body is returned from overseas it should come home in a proper and respectful manner and this was not the case.

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