Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister for raising the issue during his recent visit to Lebanon. As the House is aware, the manner in which Privates Barrett and Smallhorne were ambushed, kidnapped and killed in cold blood amounted to one of the most barbaric acts ever to have taken place involving Irish peacekeeping troops while serving abroad. In 2000 a campaign was initiated by PDFORRA to try to have the gentleman concerned denaturalised, extradited and prosecuted. The Minister raised the matter in 2005 and again this year. What talks did he specifically have on this matter with the Lebanese authorities and what was their response? Are they in favour of extradition and a prosecution taking place?

What has been the response of the US authorities? The Minister suggested they would raise the matter at the United Nations. Have they agreed to do so? Are they prepared to denaturalise a US citizen and have him extradited? Did they give any indication that they were prepared to do so?

I understand the Attorney General's advice was that the person concerned could be prosecuted under the Geneva Conventions. The individual concerned was a member of the South Lebanese Army at the time and responsible for a crime against humanity and an international war crime.

What talks has the Minister had with the United Nations on this matter? To what extent has the matter been progressed since the question of extradition was initially raised? What steps have been taken since the person concerned was identified in the United States and the matter was raised publicly by PDFORRA? Where are we at this time?

See this speech in context