Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Garda Commissioner reported on the outcome of the Garda investigation undertaken into the death of a soldier (details supplied) in the Lebanon in February 1999; the scope of that investigation; if he has been in contact with the family of the deceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8997/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Following my receipt of the report of Mr. Sean Hurley into the circumstances surrounding the death of Private Kevin Barrett, 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 was assigned to the case to examine my Department's and the Defence Forces files in the case, with a view to determining whether the Gardaí could provide any assistance in the matter. Liaison arrangements were set up between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces, who continued to provide the fullest cooperation to An Garda Síochána.

Arising from an examination by the Gardaí of the available material, the investigation team identified a number of lines of enquiry. These included re-interviewing of all witnesses who were in the vicinity when Private Barrett died, identifying any other witnesses not previously interviewed and the ballistic examination of the billet where Private Barrett died, as well as the firearm used.

The Garda have now completed a thorough and detailed investigation into the matter. The Garda Commissioner in his letter to me has indicated that, having re-interviewed Professor Hiss, the Pathologist who carried out the post mortem and having obtained the expert opinion of Dr Cassidy, the State Pathologist, together with the results of the detailed examination of the billet in question, the Garda investigation reached a number of conclusions.

The most significant conclusion was that the investigators are satisfied that the original findings were correct and there is no evidence to suggest any third party involvement. On 13 and 14 February, 2007, the Gardaí briefed the family on the results of their findings arising from their investigation into Private Barrett's death. The briefing took a considerable amount of time and the investigation team answered a large number of questions relative to their findings.

My Department has remained in contact with the family throughout the investigation. I am available to meet with the family should they wish to meet with me again.