Soldier's parents call for full death probe

The family of a soldier who died from gunshot wounds in the Lebanon six years ago tonight called for 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.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea apologised to Mr Barrett’s mother Helen in a private meeting in Leinster House yesterday for the handling of the army investigation and promised to set up an independent inquiry.

Solicitor Kyran McGinley, who accompanied Ms Barrett to the meeting, said the family welcomed the apology but wanted a full Garda inquiry.

“They want him to reopen the case and for a full Garda investigation to commence,” he said.

However, he acknowledged this could pose difficulties due to the length of time which had elapsed.

“It’s six years after the event and much of the evidence could be lost.”

A spokesman for Mr O’Dea said he had apologised to Ms Barret for the pain and suffering they had experienced since their son’s tragic death and the shortcomings in the way the family were treated.

The qualified barrister made a commitment to consult with the Gardaí and then set up an independent investigation into the procedures adopted by the Department of Defence and the army.

But the spokesman said he was awaiting the transcript of the inquest into Mr Barrett’s death before deciding on the format of the inquiry.

Kevin Barrett had been drinking with another 34-year-old soldier on the night of his death at an Irish army camp in South Lebanon on February 18, 1999 when his rifle was discharged.

His family was told that his death was accidental but an inquest in Donegal last month ruled out suicide or misadventure and returned an open verdict.

Mr McGinley said the family had been refused any substantial information when they originally questioned the army about their son’s death.

“They still have a lot of unanswered questions,” he said.

The inquest heard the army investigator had asked eight times for the case to be re-opened but had been refused. The scene in the room was not properly preserved, the weapon involved was not ballistically tested and the bullet casing went missing.

The Barrett family were also upset by the bloodied condition their son’s body was returned in after the post mortem.