Independent review ordered into death of army private in Lebanon over 30 years ago
An independent review has been ordered into the death of an Irish army private and the disappearance of his colleague while on duty with the UN in Lebanon 33 years ago.
Retired High Court Judge Roderick Murphy will lead the review of the investigation into the incident in April 1981. Mr Murphy previously as Chairman of the Oireachtas Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Swimming
Privates Hugh Doherty and Kevin Joyce were serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in 1981 when their observation post at Dayr Ntar came under attack.
The attackers were unknown. Private Doherty was later found dead from gunshot wounds and Private Joyce was missing.
Over the years, extensive diplomatic and military efforts to locate Private Joyce have found nothing.
Seven months after the attack - in November 1981 - the UN completed a Board of Inquiry into the incident.
The Irish military authorities considered the UN report was inadequate in certain respects and conducted a further investigation.
The Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has now asked retired high court judge Roderick Murphy to conduct an independent review.
This will entail an examination of all relevant documents and interviews. Mr Murphy is to report back to Coveney by April 2015.
