Stardust inquest delays
Deputy Joan Collins relays the Stardust families’ frustration at delays and costs surrounding the long-promised inquest. The Taoiseach says he will raise the matter with the Minister for Justice and Department, and Deputy Collins asks whether he will meet the families.
This question has come directly from Ms Antoinette Keegan of the Stardust Victims Committee. Ms Keegan points out that it is almost 41 years since the terrible Stardust fire in Artane, Dublin, in which 48 young people died and 214 were injured. The Attorney General announced on 25 September 2019 that the inquest must go ahead as this was in the public interest. The Department of Justice leased the RDS in Ballsbridge for one year for the Stardust inquest and has spent nearly €2 million out of a fund of €8 million on renting and fitting out the RDS. On 13 October 2021, the families of the Stardust victims and their legal team were advised by the coroner that after February, the lease expires.
These families are really upset. No venue has been tied down to continue the Stardust inquest from February onwards. Can the Taoiseach give the House reassurance that he will intervene and expedite this urgent matter that is causing great distress to the families and that he will meet them about this?
Comment on this
I will engage with the Minister for Justice on this. I am aware that there were issues around those raised by the Deputy but it is not for any want of effort by the Department of Justice. I will take the matter up with the Minister and the Department.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach meet the families?