Tánaiste to meet family of Private Séan Rooney next week

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that he will meet the mother of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was killed in Lebanon in 2022, after he was criticised for speaking publicly on the case before talking to her and her family.

In a statement, Natasha Rooney criticised what she said was a "sham trial" in Lebanon that convicted and sentenced those involved in his death.

She also referenced Mr Harris, saying: "In a country where victims' rights ought to be paramount, it would perhaps be wise for the Tánaiste to speak to me, before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements".

In response, the Tánaiste - who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence - said that he accepted the point made and will "reserve any further comment" until he meets Pte Rooney's family next week.

"I'll be meeting Natasha next week and I'm going to reserve any further comment until I meet her.

"Natasha is a grieving mother fighting for justice for her son who died while serving with absolute distinction.

"He has my absolute and total respect, as does his family, and I'll reserve making any further comments until I engage with Natasha directly," Mr Harris said.

Pte Rooney, who was 24 and from Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was killed when their armoured vehicle was fired on in Lebanon on 14 December 2022.