Independent review into soldiers’ deaths in Lebanon

A former High Court judge is to conduct a fresh inquiry into the death of a soldier and the disappearance of a colleague in Lebanon in 1981.

Mr Justice Roderick Murphy has been tasked by Defence Minister Simon Coveney to carry out an independent review of the investigation into the death of Private Hugh Doherty and the disappearance of Private Kevin Joyce.

Mr Coveney said the inquiry would encompass both a review of all relevant documents and interviews with such persons as considered appropriate. He said Mr Murphy would report back to him before April 30.