Soldier’s family welcome O’Dea apology

THE family of a soldier who died from gunshot wounds in the Lebanon six years ago welcomed an apology from Defence Minister Willie O’Dea but said they still wanted a full garda investigation into his shooting.

Private Kevin Barrett, 20, from Rathmullen, Co Donegal, was found dead at an Irish army camp in 1999.

Mr O’Dea apologised to Mr Barrett’s mother Helen in a private meeting in Leinster House on Tuesday for the handling of the army investigation and promised an independent inquiry.