Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Private Kevin Barrett died on 18 February 1999 while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon. His death 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 from 5 to 8 September 2005. The jury returned an open verdict.

I met Mrs. Barrett on 4 October 2005. She was accompanied by her solicitor. I listened carefully to what she had to say. During the course of this meeting, I apologised to Mrs. Barrett and her family for the pain and suffering they had experienced since Private Barrett's tragic death. I indicated to Mrs Barrett that I was still awaiting sight of the transcript of the coroner's inquest, which I understand will be available shortly. When I have reviewed the transcript, I will decide what further action to take.

During my meeting with Mrs. Barrett, I also gave her an undertaking to have the interaction between my Department, the Defence Forces, her and Private Barrett's family reviewed by an independent person. I want to ensure that appropriate lessons are learnt for the future. On 28 October 2005 I appointed Mr. Seán Hurley to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the parents and family of Private Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death. I anticipate that I will receive the report of this review before Christmas.

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