THE reported release on bail of a man accused of fatally shooting Irish soldier Sean Rooney in Lebanon has been described as "upsetting" by a minister in the Republic.
Private Rooney (24), originally from Dundalk but with close links to Newtowncunningham in Co Donegal, was part of a UN peacekeeping convoy which was attacked in the town of Al-Aqbiya last December.
He was killed, while three other Irish soldiers were injured in the attack.
Five people have been indicted on voluntary homicide and criminal conspiracy over the attack, with charges alleging they are linked to militant group Hezbollah.
Four of the accused have not yet been arrested and remain at large, while one, Mohammad Ayyad, had been detained by Lebanese authorities.
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It was reported this week he had been released on bail of 1.2 billion Lebanese pounds - amounting to approximately €12,325.
His trial is due to continue next month in Beirut.
A spokesperson for the Republic's Department of Defence said minister and Tánaiste Micheál Martin was aware of reports Mr Ayyad had been released, and the department had engaged a legal firm in Lebanon "to represent the interests and concerns of the Irish Government at the court hearings" and the firm would be in contact with the court "to establish the circumstances of Ayyad’s reported release".
Minister of State Jack Chambers said: “It’s very disappointing and upsetting to see the accused person released on bail, adding the Department of Defence "have been in contact with Seán Rooney’s family".
