Progress made in the investigation into Private Seán Rooney's death - Tánaiste

Progress has been made in the investigation into the death of soldier Seán Rooney in Lebanon last year, according to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin. 

Mr Martin was speaking at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick ahead of the first deployment of Irish peacekeeping forces to Lebanon since the death of the 24-year-old. 

Private Rooney was born and raised in Dundalk, County Louth but he spent much of his later life in Newtowncunningham, where he was later buried with full military honours.

Private Rooney was shot and killed in December when the armoured UNIFIL vehicle he was travelling in was attacked in a coastal village in the south of the country. 

“It’s a challenging assignment which carries very significant risk, as was evidenced before Christmas with the tragic death of Seán Rooney. I think that illustrates the sacrifice and the bravery of all those who serve our country, in the pursuit of peace, and particularly in conflict zones in communities impacted by war and by potential violence. The investigation is still very much ongoing with Lebanese officials and the process is continuing but it has made progress.

“Obviously, that’s a matter we don’t interfere with but we’re keeping a very watchful eye on that particular case.”

Mr Martin said no stone will be left unturned in finding those responsible for Private Rooney’s death and bringing them to justice.

“I’ve already engaged with the Lebanese authorities in that regard,” he said.