Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in the investigation into the death of a soldier (details supplied); when the Garda enquiry will be completed; when he will receive the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37726/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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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. Mr. Hurley looked in detail at how the Department and the Defence Forces interacted with the Barrett family after Kevin's death and has identified some clear failings and shortcomings.

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. The Garda officer assigned to the case is continuing to examine 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 weapon that fired the fatal shot has been handed over by the Defence Forces to the Garda Síochána for tests. At the request of the Gardaí, the Defence Forces also arranged, with the agreement of the UN, for the return to Ireland of the billet in which Pte. Barrett died. The billet has been the subject of detailed forensic examination by the Gardaí. The Garda inquiries are still ongoing and when completed, I expect the Commissioner will contact me in the matter. My understanding is that the Garda investigation may be completed towards the end of this year.