Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 2: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the outcome of his meeting with the family of Private Kevin Barrett who was shot dead while serving with the Defence Forces in Lebanon in 1999; his views on the Barrett family's request for an independent inquiry into the death following the unsatisfactory open verdict that was returned at the recent inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32082/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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While I welcome the appointment of Mr. Hurley to carry out the independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence and the family of Private Barrett, one is extremely concerned that the review the Minister has mandated will cover only one aspect of Private Barrett's death, namely, the manner in which the Department treated the Barrett family in the years since his death. Why has the Minister not at this stage authorised a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Private Barrett's death? This is what the Barrett family seek.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputy Sherlock for welcoming the inquiry I announced. On what the Barrett family seek, I met Mrs. Barrett and her solicitor and we have spoken to them on a number of occasions since. Basically, through her solicitor Mrs. Barrett asked me to do two things: to have investigated the interaction between the family and the Army and Department of Defence, and to organise another inquiry to follow on the inquest into her son's death.

I gave her an undertaking that I would organise the inquiry into the interaction between the Barrett family and the Department of Defence and Army, and I have met that commitment. I explained to Mrs. Barrett and her solicitor that I would need to have sight of the transcript of the inquest before I took a decision on the second request. She and her solicitor agreed that was entirely reasonable. I am sure they will not mind me mentioning it here. Unfortunately, the transcript of the inquest is still not to hand. When I receive it, I assure the House, the Deputy and, through this forum, the Barrett family that I will take a decision quickly on what to do on the matter and the family will not be kept waiting. I assure Deputy Sherlock that I will make a very quick decision on that matter as soon as the transcript of the inquest is to hand.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Why is it taking so long to get a transcript of the inquest? If the Minister was following this matter as he previously indicated he would be, why is it taking so long to get this? The Minister should remember that there are many questions left unanswered about the manner of Private Barrett's death and this was agreed previously. Consequently, I am a little disappointed that no progress has been made on these issues, the way his body was treated after he died and the reason an open verdict was returned. The original investigation gave the Barrett family absolutely no closure on the death of their brother and son. I am disappointed that little progress has been made on this matter by the Minister.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I am disappointed that Deputy Sherlock is disappointed, given that Mrs. Barrett is not disappointed, nor is her solicitor, to whom we spoke in recent days. They are quite happy. If Mrs. Barrett's family is happy, I do not know why Deputy Sherlock should be unhappy.

I have absolutely no control over the printing of the transcript of the inquest, which is a matter for the stenographer and the Courts Service. There is some difficulty, of which the solicitor is aware, in regard to printing the transcript of the inquest in this case. While I am not sure of the details, I am advised that we will have the transcript within the next week to ten days. When I have the transcript, I will move quickly on this matter.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Is it the Minister's intention to take further steps depending on the outcome of the investigation?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I will study the transcript carefully. If I conclude that a further inquiry is warranted, I will meet Mrs. Barrett and tell her what I intend to do.