An independent report on the death of Army Private Kevin Barrett in Lebanon in 1999 has found "clear failings and shortcomings" in the way State authorities dealt with the man's family after the tragedy.
The full report reviews the interaction between the Department of Defence/Defence Forces and parents and family of Pte Barrett following his death on 18th February 1999 while serving with UNIFIL in south Lebanon.
Today's report was compiled by former chief executive of the Garda Complaints Board Seán Hurley. It was ordered by the Minister last October after he apologised to the Barrett family over the handling of the case.
Willie O'Dea
The Hurley report also found that potential evidence in the case, including a shell casing, cannot now be located.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea is expected to open a new investigation into Pte Barrett's death following the publication of a review of the case today.
Mr O'Dea thanked Mr Hurley for what he said was a "thorough and very frank report".
"It is clear and concise and covers the issues raised with me by Kevin Barrett's family. Mr. Hurley has looked in detail at how the Department and the Defence Forces interacted with the Barrett family after Kevin's death and has identified some clear failings and shortcomings."
"I accept the recommendations and conclusions contained in the report and I assure the Barrett family that I will act on these. Important lessons have been learnt for the future and errors that have occurred in the handling of this tragic case, outlined by Mr. Hurley, must never be repeated."
The Minister repeated his apology to the Barrett family for the pain and suffering they endured "following Kevin's tragic death".
"I want to thank the Barrett family for their patience and cooperation in the preparation of this review. I have asked to meet with the family in the coming weeks, after they have had sufficient time to consider the report. This meeting will discuss further action I wish to take on this case,"
Fine Gael defence spokesman Billy Timmins said the recommendations in the Hurley report should be implemented without delay.
"This review is hard-hitting. Mr Hurley has stated that, in his view, the Military Police Investigation that took place following Private Barrett's death was incomplete, and has also stated that neither the Irish Contingent Board of Enquiry or the UN Headquarters Board of Enquiry investigations can be regarded as effective.
"He has also found that the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have made no serious effort to satisfy the reasonable requests from the Barrett family for access to the full facts and circumstances of Kevin's death."