merrion street

I was informed by the Chief of Staff in the early hours of this morning of a serious incident involving Irish troops serving in Lebanon as part of UNIFIL.

It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of shock that I have subsequently learned of the death of one of our peacekeepers and of the serious injuries to one other.

At this time I want to express, on behalf of everyone in Ireland, our utmost sorrow at the loss of a young man serving his country and the United Nations overseas. To his family I want to say sorry for their heartbreak and loss.

To the families of those injured, I want you to know the Defence Forces will do everything to care for and support your loved ones.

To the wider Defence Force family and to all those who serve overseas, I know how deeply you will feel this loss and I know the support you will give each other will be vital in the days and weeks ahead.

As Minister for Defence and for Foreign Affairs I am currently in New York for a meeting of the UN Security Council. I will return to Ireland this evening after I meet with the UN Secretary General to discuss the loss of our peacekeeper and the full investigation that must now follow.