Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Renua Ireland)
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284. To ask the Minister for Defence when he received a report (details supplied), why it has not been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In December 2014, I appointed former High Court Judge, Mr. Roderick Murphy, to conduct an independent review of the investigation of the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce (Caomhán Seoighe) on 27 April 1981 while serving as members of the Irish Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Privates Doherty and Joyce were serving with UNIFIL in 1981 when, on 27 April 1981, an observation post at Dayr Ntar manned by them came under attack. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing. The attackers are unknown. Over the years, extensive diplomatic and military efforts to locate Private Joyce have proved fruitless. To date, no information has been elicited to lead to the recovery of Private Joyce’s remains. In late June 2015, Mr. Roderick Murphy presented his report to me. Following a review of his report a number of clarifications were raised with Mr Murphy which are currently being addressed. I also sought legal advice from the Attorney General in relation to the publication of the report. The matter is nearing a conclusion and I intend to publish the report, once all legal and other issues arising from the report have been addressed.