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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Stardust fire review

Summary

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett questioned the Government’s handling of new evidence on the Stardust fire after the McCartan report. The Justice Minister expressed sympathy for the families and said he would consider a debate if it could help them.

I call Deputy Boyd Barrett - my apologies for not doing so earlier.

Comment on this

No problem. The programme for Government contains a pledge to the effect that the Government would have full regard to any new evidence which emerged to establish the likely cause of the fire at the Stardust nightclub. The Stardust families are absolutely gutted and bewildered at the outcome of the McCartan report dealing with the review of the evidence that they brought forward and other evidence that came to light, which I understand the terms of reference did not allow the former judge, Mr. McCartan, to even consider, about possible scenarios for the ignition of the Stardust fire. Given the deep unhappiness and despair of the Stardust families regarding the outcome of this report, can the Minister commit, at the very least, that we will have a debate on that report in the Dáil in the very near future in order that we might assess it fully and be given the opportunity to raise issues that the families believe the report failed to resolve or of which it failed to take full cognisance?

Comment on this
Charles Flanagan Minister for Justice and Equality Fine Gael

I very much share the deep sense of loss that has been felt by the families and the community in north Dublin for a long period - in fact, 36 years - since one of the most horrific incidents in the history of our State occurred, namely, the Stardust fire. I acknowledge the publication last week of the third report on this tragedy, which was presented by me to Government and given to the families in advance. I understand a deep sense of frustration and disappointment on the part of the families. If it was to serve the families and the community in any positive way for the House to debate that report, I am sure the Business Committee would be pleased to accommodate that. I, as Minister, certainly would do so. I would be happy to meet the families but I acknowledge the service that has been undertaken by the former judge, Mr. McCartan. I acknowledge the importance of his report and, as Minister for Justice and Equality, I accept its recommendations.

Comment on this