Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to again sympathise with the families because it is a difficult experience for any family when relatives who are serving members of the Defence Forces go to Lebanon and do not return.

The case to which the Deputy refers relates back to April 1981 in Lebanon when a UN observation post manned by Private Hugh Doherty and Private Kevin Joyce came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. Some equipment was also missing. The attackers are unknown. Earlier this year during parliamentary questions the then Minister for Defence indicated that he had received a request from the Doherty family for a meeting.

Officials of the Department of Defence intend to meet members of the Doherty family in the first instance, at a mutually convenient time and date, to gain a clear understanding of their concerns. In this regard, the Department of Defence has been in contact with the family and they are aware of the current position regarding a future meeting. I understand officials have been in contact in the last 24 hours because I specifically asked them to make contact. It is important that we have dialogue with the families involved, and specifically in this case.

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