Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has voiced strong frustration over the slow progress in bringing those responsible for the killing of Private Seán Rooney to justice. Rooney, a 24-year-old Irish soldier, was killed while serving on a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in December 2022, marking the first such loss for Ireland in over two decades. Although six individuals have been convicted, including one sentenced to death who remains at large, Martin criticized the leniency of the sentences and the fact that some perpetrators have not been apprehended.

During an official visit to Lebanon, Martin met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and called for greater accountability in the case. He also requested updates on a recent attack against Irish peacekeepers, noting the swift response by Lebanese authorities in arresting suspects. Martin visited Irish troops stationed with the United Nations peacekeeping force and highlighted the professionalism of the soldiers amid ongoing challenges. The United Nations mission in Lebanon, which includes Irish personnel, is scheduled to conclude in December, ending Ireland's current deployment in the region.