The Taoiseach has expressed sympathy on the death of Corporal Gavin Carey.

"On behalf of myself, as Taoiseach and Minister for Defence, and on behalf of all the citizens of the State I want to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of Corporal Gavin Carey following his tragic death".

"Gavin died as a serving member of the Defence Forces and I wish also to extend my sympathies to his colleagues from 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment, Custume Barracks, Athlone, at what is a very difficult time for them. Gavin served his country with pride and in the unheralded manner he and all his colleagues go about their business," he said.

"At the time of his death he was in the process of completing a training course prior to his scheduled deployment overseas, to Lebanon. A further reminder of the duties soldiers undertake on all our behalves," he added.