Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 123: To ask the Minister for Defence the outcome of his discussions with the Lebanese authorities regarding the investigation into the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce in 1981 in south Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8767/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 27 April 1981, an observation post at Dayr Ntar near As Sultaniyah manned by Private Hugh Doherty and Private Kevin Joyce came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. Some equipment was also missing. The attackers are unknown.

The UNIFIL investigation into the whereabouts of Private Joyce has continued but there have been no indications of his possible whereabouts or to suggest that he is still alive. It would appear that Private Joyce was killed a short time after his abduction.

During my visit to Lebanon last week, I met with the Lebanese Minister of Defence, Mr. Elias Murr. I raised with him the disappearance of Private Joyce. I stressed to him the difficulties his disappearance creates for his family and relatives. I urged the Lebanese Government to redouble its efforts to assist in locating the whereabouts of Private Joyce, who is the only Irish soldier to go missing in action in Lebanon.

Mr. Murr assured me that his government would assist in whatever way possible to locate the whereabouts of Private Joyce. In the past, the authorities in Lebanon have made efforts to obtain information on the whereabouts of Private Joyce including broadcasting pictures of him on television.