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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Stardust motion implementation

Summary

Richard Boyd Barrett sought assurances that the Government would honour its motion on the Stardust tragedy and meet the families. The Taoiseach confirmed the motion would be honoured in full, that the committee meeting would happen shortly, and that a commission of investigation would follow if warranted.

Despite my very considerable disappointment that the Government failed to support Deputy Broughan's motion last week on the need for an immediate commission of investigation on the Stardust tragedy, the Government motion passed and that committed to certain things. These include the appointment of an independent judicial figure and following that, the possibility of a commission of investigation. Last night, I had a very upset Antoinette Keegan representing the Stardust families on the phone to me feeling that since the passing of that motion, the Government has pulled the wool over her eyes. She is very concerned that what she thought she understood from the Government on its plan to deal with this matter is quite different to what is now occurring.

I want to ask the Taoiseach the precise steps that will be taken in terms of following up on the Stardust motion. I ask that the Minister, as a matter of urgency before those steps are taken, agrees to meet Antoinette Keegan and the Stardust committee to ensure, as the motion promises, that the families are on board with what is being done.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The person Deputy Boyd Barrett mentioned need not worry. The motion was accepted and approved by the Dáil and will be honoured in full. The Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, spoke to me about this matter today. The element of the motion that requires the Government to meet the individuals on the Stardust committee will be honoured.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Very shortly. The examination of the new information and evidence that has come to hand will be done in a proper and fitting fashion. If that warrants a commission of investigation, then that is what will happen. The Deputy can inform the person who has contacted him on a number of occasions that is so. The Government will not renege on the motion that was accepted by the Dáil last week.

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