The Tánaiste is on his way to Lebanon this morning where he will meet members of the 121st UNIFIL Infantry Battalion one of whom, Private Seán Rooney from Newtowncunningham was killed in December last year.
During the visit Michael Martin will also meet with the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs & Emigrants and Defence during which he said he would be reiterating the Irish Government’s determination that “all of the facts and circumstances relating to the incident in which Private Rooney was killed are fully established and that those responsible are brought to justice
The Tánaiste is accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
As well as visiting the personnel of the 121st Infantry Battalion, the Tánaiste will also meet the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, as well as the Lebanese Minister for Defence.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said that it will be an opportunity for him to convey his sympathies and those of the Government to the colleagues of Private Seán Rooney on their loss.
In his meeting with the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, the Tánaiste will reiterate Ireland’s continued commitment, within its capability, to contribute troops to UN missions, including UNIFIL. They will also discuss the events relating to Private Rooney’s death, which is currently the subject of a number of parallel investigations.
