Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has received a report on the death of Private Kevin Barrett in Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31941/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the investigation into the death of Private Kevin Barrett; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31900/05]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Defence if an independent inquiry into the death of Private Kevin Barrett who was shot while serving in the Lebanon in 1999 will be established; when a final decision will be made on this; the scope and remit of any such inquiry; the timescale for the inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32000/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 57 and 63 together.

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 with Mrs. Barrett on 4 October 2005, 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 of the coroner's inquest, 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-Defence Forces and her and Private Barrett's family reviewed by an independent person. I wish to ensure that appropriate lessons are learnt for the future.

On 28 October 2005, I appointed Mr. Sean Hurley to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence-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.