Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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10. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagements there have been with the Lebanese authorities following the re-examination of the case against individuals charged in Lebanon in relation to the death of a person (details supplied); the status of the other investigations carried out into the death; when these reports will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48885/25]

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Obviously, we remember the sacrifice of Seán Rooney. We also remember the case where Joshua Phelan, Nathan Bryan and Shane Kearney were injured. We are all absolutely shocked by Mohammad Ayyad not being there in court and by the pitiful sentences. These are being re-examined and there is a promise, to some degree, of more action. What have the Tánaiste's engagements been with the Lebanese authorities? Is there any news about where Mohammad Ayyad is? Is there any follow-up on where those cases are?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy, who rightly raises this issue with me regularly. It is important we continue to keep the focus and pressure in terms of justice on these matters.

Since the events of 14 December 2022, in which Private Seán Rooney was killed, and Trooper Shane Kearney and other personnel from the 121st Battalion were injured, the Government has consistently expressed determination that all of the facts and circumstances of the incident be fully established and that no stone be left unturned to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Both I and my officials have consistently raised this matter with the Lebanese authorities on a regular basis. I assure the Deputy and the House we will continue to do so. I can also confirm there has been sustained and constructive engagement with the UN Secretariat on this matter over the past two and a half years through Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The last hearing of the trial was held on 28 July. My officials, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s ambassador and our honorary consul to Lebanon, and the Department’s Lebanese lawyer all attended the hearing along with a member of Private Rooney's family. The hearing saw the conclusion of the court proceedings, with one defendant convicted of murder and the attempted killing of other Irish personnel. A variety of lighter custodial sentences and fines were imposed on others involved in the incident, including the full acquittal of one defendant.

Following this hearing, the Deputy will be aware that both I and the Taoiseach expressed our extreme disappointment at the lenient sentences imposed on a number of the defendants. In seeking to express the Government's disappointment with the sentences handed down, and while being fully mindful of the independence of the Lebanese judicial system, I wrote to the Lebanese Government, including the ministers for defence, justice and foreign affairs, following the hearing. In my letters, I expressed the disappointment of the Government of Ireland at the leniency of the sentences handed down to the defendants in the case and urged the Lebanese authorities to do everything in their power to apprehend the main defendant so he can serve his sentence.

I have since followed up with phone calls to the Lebanese ministers for defence and justice, after which the Lebanese Minister of Justice confirmed to me that an appeal on the sentencing had been lodged to the military court. Just this week, I issued further correspondence to the Lebanese authorities seeking details on the appeals process. I will remain fully engaged in the progress of the appeals process and will ensure that family members continue to be updated.

Regarding the coroner’s inquest into the death of Private Rooney, further hearings will take place in the coming months. Both my Department and the Defence Forces are co-operating with this process in full.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It is absolutely necessary that the Tánaiste maintain communication with the family and the pressure be maintained, not only on the Lebanese authorities but also on the UN. Is the Tánaiste reasonably happy that there is a free flow of information at this point from the UN? There were promises that information would be provided to the family, but I am not sure that all has been done. We need to ensure that happens. Is there any further news regarding Mohammad Ayyad, who was not there in court? This obviously leads to major worries.

We should maintain whatever pressure we can because Private Rooney made the ultimate sacrifice. We know the issues there are in relation to that UNIFIL mission. It is absolutely right that we stand by him and his memory, but also that the UN does justice.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I should have also said that an independent inquiry is being undertaken by Mr. Michael Delaney SC, which is ongoing. This review is examining the internal tactics, techniques, processes and procedures employed by the Defence Forces with a view to determining whether there are any lessons to be learned from the circumstances surrounding Private Rooney’s death. Mr. Delaney is expected to present a report to me in quarter 4 of this year.

I have raised the apprehension of the person convicted specifically with the justice minister of Lebanon. I told him how vital it is not only that justice be served in court, but that there is no point giving out a big sentence if the person has still not been apprehended. He assured me that this remains a priority for the justice forces and the Lebanese Government. I will continue to monitor that.

My Department is in very close contact with the UN Secretariat but more importantly, we are keeping in very close contact with Private Rooney's family, particularly Natasha, his mum. I will continue to ensure she is kept fully up to date. I will attend the UN General Assembly in the coming days, where I hope I may have an opportunity to further discuss this issue.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Many of us became worried about some of stories in the public domain, including that Mohammad Ayyad was not even in Lebanon, so there is a necessity for pressure to be put on the Lebanese regime. Is the Tánaiste reasonably happy that the UN is providing that information? I assume that the Government will maintain pressure to ensure this happens, particularly with regard to information for the family.

Regarding the Army pensions case involving John McNeela, whose son Michael made the ultimate sacrifice in Lebanon while peacekeeping, we all know that the allowance paid to John's wife when she died was not transferred to him. The Tánaiste promised to update the legislation. Is there a possibility of finding an administrative solution? Could we have a timeline on that? It is right that we do right by the memory and families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in peacekeeping.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the UN is providing information but my satisfaction will depend on whether the family are satisfied, so I want to keep in close contact with them. I had the honour of meeting John McNeela at the national day of commemoration. When I met him, I credited the Deputy regarding his advocacy of the family's situation. We are committed to rectifying this in primary legislation and I spoke to my Secretary General in recent days about this. It will need to be changed through primary legislation. I am not sure there is an administrative solution but I have asked for the quickest Bill into which to insert this amendment. If it can be a vehicle other than a defence Bill, I am open to that. We are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Social Protection. I will try to come back to the Deputy with a timeline in the next couple of weeks as to how we can move this forward. It does not necessarily have to wait for defence legislation. Other legislation could move more quickly.

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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And whether it can be retrospective.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Let me check that with the Attorney General as well.