Defense Forces Seek Privacy for Sensitive Information in Inquest of Private Seán Rooney

Pte Seán Rooney (24) was killed in an attack on a peacekeeper convoy in Lebanon in 2022. The Defence Forces have requested that parts of the inquest into his death be held in private due to the disclosure of 'extremely sensitive' information to the coroner.

A preliminary hearing revealed that materials related to Pte Rooney's death contain redactions for operational security and force protection reasons. The Defence Forces expressed concerns about sharing this sensitive information publicly during the inquest.

Pte Rooney, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed in an attack on Irish peacekeepers in Al-Aqbiya while on a UN mission in Lebanon. The Defence Forces argued that public disclosure could increase risks to personnel in the mission.

The coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane, acknowledged the sensitivity of the documents but emphasized the importance of a public inquiry. Discussions are ongoing regarding the handling of sensitive evidence during the inquest.

Separately, the court was informed that the UN had conducted investigations into the incident but considered the reports confidential. The family of Pte Rooney aims to address misconceptions about the circumstances of his death.

The inquest has been adjourned for further deliberation on how to proceed with the sensitive evidence. The slow progress of legal proceedings in Lebanon has been a source of dissatisfaction for the Minister for Defence.