00:00As outlined in the Annual Report, a priority for the Irish Government in 2023 was continuing
00:05to establish all the facts and circumstances relating to the attack that resulted in the
00:09horrific killing of Private Sean Rooney on 14 December 2022. I have consistently expressed
00:16my determination that no stone is left unturned to ensure that those responsible are brought
00:20to justice. Last year, an additional indictment hearing
00:23of persons charged in connection with the incident took place on 14 July, with further
00:28hearings taking place on 30 August and 15 December 2023. The most recent hearing was
00:34on 7 June 2024. I was very disappointed to learn that once again none of those indicted
00:39for the killing of Private Sean Rooney appeared in court at this hearing.
00:43The central focus of my most recent visit to Lebanon in May of this year was my meeting
00:47with the Lebanese Foreign Minister and the legal representative of the Lebanese Minister
00:51for Defence. I left the Lebanese Minister and officials in no doubt with regard to the
00:55absolute determination of the Irish Government in ensuring that those responsible for Private
00:59Rooney's death are brought to justice and that lives of Irish peacekeepers must be valued.
01:03I also emphasised the need to speed up the legal proceedings and the additional distress
01:08that the lack of progress is causing Private Rooney's family and loved ones.
01:13Following the most recent hearings, I have again stressed my deep unhappiness with the
01:16progress of the trial to date, and I have made that very clear to both the Lebanese
01:19authorities and to the United Nations. I will continue to press them on this matter to ensure
01:23that justice is done for Private Rooney and for his family and colleagues.
Comments