Incoming Taoiseach Micheal Martin has ordered a new inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Donegal soldier Sean Rooney.
Private Rooney, who is buried in Newtowncunningham, died when his convoy came under fire in Lebanon in 2022.
The new inquiry is being carried out independently by senior counsel Michael Delaney and he will be issuing a report within nine months.
The move was announced by the former Defence and Foreign Affairs Minister in reply to a parliamentary question from the Louth TD Ruairi O Murchu of Sinn Fein.
The 23-year-old UN peacekeeper was killed when his convoy was attacked in south Lebanon in December, 2022.
A number of local men with links to the Hezbollah terror group were arrested over the incident and just one has appeared in court. However, nobody has stood trial yet.
Micheal Martin said: “I determined that it was necessary and appropriate to carry out a post-incident internal inquiry.
“This inquiry which commenced on November 1, 2024 is being independently led by Mr Michael Delaney SC and will examine among other matters, the training and briefing of Defence Force personnel, the planning of the convoy, the Standard Operating Procedures, Tactics, Techniques and Procedures surrounding the incident.
“The Independent Reviewer may identify areas for learning and recommend changes where required.
“But it is important to note that this inquiry will not investigate the criminal matters leading to Private Rooney’s death and the injuries sustained by other personnel, as these fall under the remit of the Lebanese criminal investigation.”
The Taoiseach said the Irish Government has continued to maintain close diplomatic contacts with the Lebanese authorities about the progress of their criminal investigation.
He added: “The Government has repeatedly stressed the need for justice to be served in this case.
“I have personally raised the issue with my Lebanese Defence and Foreign Affairs counterparts on several occasions. I will continue to make strong representations to the Lebanese authorities and the United Nations on this matter.
“Private Rooney’s family is being kept informed of all developments.
“The next hearing is scheduled to take place on February 12 and the Department of Defence will be represented in court at the hearing by its Beirut-based lawyer.”
Seven men were initially arrested and detained over Private Rooney’s murder.
But so far only one Mohammad Ayyad, the main suspect, has appeared before the courts. He was later released for health reasons. It is believed some of the other accused are fugitives.
