Six out of seven people charged in Lebanon in relation to the death of Irish soldier Seán Rooney are not in custody.
Seven people were charged in connection with his death on Thursday.
He was killed and three others were injured when their vehicle was attacked in south Lebanon last month.
Lebanon-based journalist Hannah McCarthy told Newstalk Breakfast proceedings can be brought against the man in custody.
"One of the people who've been charged with attempted murder and murder is in custody," she said.
"There can be meaningful proceedings brought against him.
"I think it's important to note that - so far - the six other people who charges have been brought against, they're not in custody.
"The Lebanese authorities do not have access to them.
A Defence Forces guard accompanies the coffin of Pte Seán Rooney as it is carried from the Holy Family Church in Dundalk, Co Louth. Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews"It's not clear where they are, whether they're even in the country or whether they've managed to escape across the border elsewhere".
She said the militant group Hezbollah has said they will cooperate with the investigation.
"The main suspect, who was handed over right before Christmas, Hezbollah have said he is a supporter of theirs but not a member - which would be common enough in the area which the attack happened," she said.
"People aren't necessarily taking that statement at face value, and there is going to be an official report that's going to be due soon.
"Obviously there'll be some more detail there.
"The fact that, in a very public attack, these six people were able to go on the run [and] evade the authorities... Hezbollah has said 'We want to cooperate with the investigation'.
"But the fact that there are six people who have had charges brought against them, who are not in custody, maybe puts a question mark over that," she added.
The charges against the main suspect can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
