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TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN today told the Prime Minister of Lebanon that the Irish government is “determined to continue to pursue justice for the terrible crime” of the killing of Private Seán Rooney.
Private Rooney, 24, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed while serving in Lebanon when his UN peacekeeping convoy was attacked on 14 December 2022.
The shooting, near the town of Al-Aqbiya in the south of Lebanon, a stronghold of militant group Hezbollah, resulted in the death of Private Rooney while Trooper Shane Kearney, 22, was badly wounded.
However, Ayyad, a member of Hezbollah, was absent from proceedings and remains at large.
It is understood that Ayyad’s sentence will remain valid for 25 years.
It is further understood that the punishment may be commuted to a life sentence, should the man come forward.
Five other defendants were also convicted for the murder of Private Rooney.
It is understood that two of them received two and three month jail sentences, respectively, and were ordered to pay a fine.
Two other people were fined, and the final person was acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
Speaking at the time, Martin remarked that “many will feel the sentences passed down on the other defendants are far too lenient”.
Martin today made an official visit to Lebanon and met this morning with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Martin remarked that Private Rooney “gave his life in the cause of peace while serving in Lebanon” and confirmed that he would “make clear there must be accountability for Private Rooney’s killing”.
In a statement this afternoon, Martin said he highlighted the “need for accountability” in relation to Ayyad, who is still at large.
“I made it very clear to the Prime Minister the absolute determination of the Irish Government to continue to pursue justice for this terrible crime,” added Martin.
Martin also visited Camp Shamrock to meet with members of the Defence Forces serving in UNIFIL to thank them for their service.
More than 300 Irish soldiers are serving as peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Earlier this year, the UN Security Council voted to wind up the near 50-year UNIFIL mission after lobbying from Israel pushed the United States to veto its renewal.
The mission will end in 2027.
During his visit to Camp Shamrock, Martin the troops based there are “continuing Ireland’s long and proud tradition of peacekeeping on the world stage”.
Martin said Ireland remains committed to UNIFIL and to supporting Lebanon but added: “We recognise that the mission was always intended to be an interim force.”
Martin also said that while “it seems that life in southern Lebanon is starting to return, what I have seen along the road from Beirut today are vast swathes of devastation and destruction”.
He added that “things can change in an instant”, as evidenced from an attack on a patrol on 4 December.
Members of the 127th Infantry Battalion were patrolling near the town of Bint Jbeil when they were approached by six men on mopeds.
One of the men began shooting at the soldiers.
None of the peacekeepers were injured in the attack near their base in South Lebanon.
“Targeting and strikes near UNIFIL peacekeepers are particularly concerning, and there are absolutely no excuses for this,” said Martin.
“Both I and the Government have made it clear that any targeting of UNIFIL peacekeepers is a clear breach of international law.”
He said he spoke to Prime Minister Salam about the “important role of the Lebanese Government in respecting and protecting the role of peacekeepers”.
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