The family of Private Sean Rooney plan to travel from Donegal to attend the trial of those charged over his death.
The Irish soldier, who was just 24 years old, was serving in Lebanon when he was killed after his convoy came under attack in December, 2022.
Although born in Co Louth, Sean spent many years in Donegal and attended St Eunans College in Letterkenny.
He was laid to rest following his tragic death at All Saints Church in Newtowcunningham.
News of Sean’s family’s plans was issued by Tánaiste Simon Harris this morning after he met with Lebanese officials to express the Government’s frustration over the lack of progress in the case.
Despite seven people having been indicted over his death, six have failed to attend court while a seventh accused has missed a recent court sitting, purportedly on medical grounds.
The Tanaiste this morning met with senior government officials in Beirut to express his dissatisfaction and disappointment in the lack of progress and repeated delays.
He conveyed the Government’s “deep disappointment and dissatisfaction at the slow progress of the legal proceedings” relating to the death of the Irish peacekeeper.
In a letter presented to Mr Rajji, the Tánaiste said that during the most recent hearing date, February 12, no medical evidence was provided by one defendant in support of his absence, while the six others have failed to be present at previous hearings.
Mr Harris said that despite five hearings having taken place in court so far, there has been no significant progress in the case.
He also confirmed that Private Rooney’s family intend to travel to Beirut to see justice served when the case is back in court in September.
Mr Harris wrote: “With this lack of progress, you will understand the frustrations and concerns, especially with regard to Private Rooney’s family. The family intend to travel to attend the next trial hearing and it is my hope they will see some ready evidence of an intention of the authorities to see justice being served, including the attendance of the defendants, and that they will not be disappointed by further procedural delays.”
The Tánaiste also stressed that those who carry out attacks on peacekeepers need to be held accountable, and that justice needs to be served.
He also told his Lebanese counterparts that the Irish Government would “welcome any assistance” they can provide to “ensure swift progress in bringing those responsible for the death of Private Rooney to justice”.
Mr Harris is also set to meet with Irish peacekeepers in south Lebanon and has announced a contribution of €2.5m in humanitarian assistance to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund.
Announcing the funding, the Tánaiste said: “The UN’s Lebanon Humanitarian Fund is a key partner for Ireland and a vital part of our humanitarian response in Lebanon. The fund has proven itself in recent years to be highly responsive to the critical needs of those most in need in Lebanon including vulnerable Lebanese, Syrian refugees and others.”
