Statement by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris

This evening I have been informed of the completion of the hearings held by the Military Tribunal in Beirut for those indicted for the murder of Private Sean Rooney, who was killed during an incident on 14 December 2022 at Al-Aqbiya, Lebanon, in which a number of his colleagues in the 121st Infantry Battalion also sustained serious injuries.

I welcome the conviction of the main defendant and a number of the other defendants, who had not previously been in court. While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Private Rooney’s family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today.

Seán Rooney made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace. This is a difficult time for his family and his colleagues, especially those who were injured that night. All our thoughts are with them at this time.

A central focus of my visit to Beirut last March was meetings with the Lebanese Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Defence, during which I raised, in the s­­trongest terms, my deep frustration at the slow pace of proceedings before the Lebanese Military Tribunal concerning those charged with Private Rooney's killing.

I appreciate, therefore, the efforts of the court to bring forward the hearing date forward from September to today. During my visit to Beirut, I left the Lebanese Ministers in no doubt as to the absolute determination of the Irish Government to ensure that those responsible for Private Rooney’s death are brought to justice.

I want to express my appreciation to my officials, members of the Defence Forces, Ireland’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Ireland’s Honorary Consul to Lebanon, and the department’s Lebanese lawyer, all of whom attended today’s hearing along with a member of Seán’s family.

Finally, I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time.