An Irish Government inquest into the death of Private Sean Rooney could take at least nine months.
The Donegal native was killed while on UN Peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in December of 2022, after the convoy he was travelling in was attacked by Hezbollah militants.
Now the Irish Government has confirmed that an official inquiry is underway into his killing.
It’s after numerous delays in the Lebanese legal system, including the failure to apprehend many of those accused of being involved in the killing of Pvt Rooney, has led to his family pressing the Irish Government to take action.
The Department of Defence has now issued a statement to media, confirming that a full inquiry has indeed been established.
“The Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheal Martin, TD has appointed Mr Michael Delaney SC to conduct an independent post-incident inquiry into the events of 14 December 2022 in Al-Aqbiya, Lebanon, which resulted in the death of Private Sean Rooney and injuries to other members of the Irish Defence Forces.”
“There have been a number of reports prepared by the Defence Forces, the United Nations and An Garda Síochána in relation to this tragic incident and the purpose of this Inquiry is to consolidate these into a single report covering work related issues around the incident.”
“As part of this process, areas may be identified which highlight lessons learned and where changes may be required in the tactics, techniques and procedures adopted by the Defence Forces for overseas operations.”
“This Inquiry will not investigate the criminal matters that led to the death of Private Rooney and injuries to other personnel.”
“This is the subject of a criminal investigation currently being carried out by the Lebanese authorities. It will also be separate to the ongoing inquest process being conducted by the Dublin Coroner.”
“This Inquiry will report and make recommendations to the Minister for Defence on its investigation into the matters as set out in the Inquiry Terms of Reference.”
“The Inquiry commenced on Friday, November 1 and it is anticipated could take up to nine months to complete.”
