“We failed you when you needed us the most.” They were among the opening words of the Taoiseach today in the Dáil Chamber when he was delivering a State apology to the victims of the Stardust fire. We have to think back to that eventful night of the eve of St. Valentine's Day, when many of us would have been around. Certainly, I was around then. People were out enjoying themselves when that fateful event happened on that tragic night. What was powerful and moving about some of the words I heard from the Taoiseach today was that he was not even born. Yet, he struck a chord of empathy with the people who were there.

I had an opportunity today to meet some of the people from the Stardust. I knew people who lived in Kilmore and who were involved in Kilmore Celtic Football Club who were there on that eventful night. The trauma, pain and hurt of losing your loved ones can never be forgotten. Today is a new beginning but it is important that no one overpromises or overcommits and that we are realistic that this is going to be a staged process.

The planning legislation that will come before the House in the next few weeks is an opportunity for us as parliamentarians. I do not care what the Government says about transitional periods required for the transitional changes for buildings; no building that does not fully comply with health and safety regulations should be open tomorrow night - none. There will be issues with that but we have to send out a strong message.

I thank the Taoiseach. It is the day of the people from the community of Artane, particularly around the Stardust nightclub. It is great to see them in these, the people's Houses, the Chambers where politics is done. I salute the Taoiseach and the Government. Let us not overcommit or overpromise, but travel the journey with these people to ensure they are given all the supports that are necessary.

I find myself echoing what our colleague, Senator Boyhan, said. I was six years of age when the Stardust fire happened and I remember it well. I remember its aftermath and the front pages of the newspapers. It is an indictment that it has taken over 40 years to get to this day but it took our generation to right the wrong of previous generations. I salute the Taoiseach as well because he acted quickly, decisively and with empathy. He did what was most important by giving a State apology to the families who lost their loved ones and also for how they were treated. There is nothing worse than losing a love one but the way the State treated the families was an abomination. It was embarrassing. Periodically, particularly around the anniversary, there would be news reports on the case. It was an embarrassment. I salute the Taoiseach.

There is more work to be done. I agree that nobody should be overpromising. There is a process but the most important element of that process was the full State apology, which was given in the Dáil today. This is a very important day for the many families who lost loved ones and have suffered the trauma of injustice since. In the fullness of time, the House should do whatever is appropriate. The planning legislation is important. Nowhere that is in any way a risk to anybody's life should be open. The legacy of the Stardust should be that we have the best fire safety standards, safety standards, exits and building regulations in the world. That should be the legacy going forward.