Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Defence the situation in relation to the investigation into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17105/06]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has held further meetings with the family of a person (details supplied); if the Gardaí have concluded their examination of his Department's and the Defence Force's files on the matter to determine whether or not they can provide assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17218/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 118 together.

On 2 February, 2006, I received a report from Mr. Sean Hurley, who I had appointed to carry out an independent review of the interaction between the Department of Defence/Defence Forces and parents and family of Private Kevin Barrett in the aftermath of his tragic death, on 18 February, 1999, while serving with the 84th Infantry Battalion in Lebanon.

Immediately on receipt of Mr. Hurley's report, I contacted the Garda Commissioner and asked him to provide me with his early views in relation to any possible assistance that the Garda Síochána might be in a position to provide. A Garda officer has since been assigned to the case and is currently examining my Department's and the Defence Forces files in the case with a view to determining whether the Gardaí can provide any assistance in the matter. Liaison arrangements have been set up between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces, who continue to provide the fullest co-operation to An Garda Síochána. To date the Defence Forces have assisted in providing access to the considerable number of witnesses associated with the case and have also facilitated the visit by the investigation team to Lebanon and Israel. The Garda inquiries are ongoing and when completed, the Commissioner will provide a report, which I will then consider.

On 8 March, 2006, my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Defence, Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., at my request, met with the parents of the late Private Barrett. This meeting had been arranged with the family after they had sufficient time to consider Mr Hurley's report and to outline to them the actions I had taken to date. Minister Kitt updated the parents on the status of my request to the Garda Commissioner. It was agreed that a further meeting would be held with the family when I have further information. In the meantime, the family will be kept informed of any developments.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the investigation into allegations of the theft of diesel by a Defence Forces' member in Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17221/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The military authorities advise that the Military Police investigation into the alleged larceny of diesel oil from military vehicles in Donegal has been completed. I am advised that disciplinary proceedings are imminent.