Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions. We have had a very honest, reflective and constructive debate on this motion. I welcome that there is all-party support for it in this House.

A number of Senators spoke and various issues were raised. Senator Quinn said he personally knew five of the victims and he spoke poignantly about that, for which I thank him.

Senator Callely paid tribute to the committee and its efforts to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. Many other Senators also paid tribute to the committee. Senator Callely also highlighted the fact that we need to learn lessons from this 28-year campaign in regard to similar campaigns arising out of tragedies. We would all agree with that. Certainly, there are lessons to be learned arising out of this particular tragedy.

Senator Regan spoke of the role of John Keegan in regard to the establishment of the committee and the fight for justice. He spoke of the persistence of the families and the lessons to be learned from this particular event in our history. He highlighted the need for the families to have closure in regard to this awful tragedy, with which we would all agree.

The Leader of the House, Senator Cassidy, like others, praised the work of the Mr. Paul Coffey, SC, and I join him in expressing such praise. Mr. Coffey has done great work in regard to this issue, for which we are grateful to him.

Senator Cassidy also stated how everybody remembers where they were the night of the Stardust fire and other Senators mentioned that also. That is true for all of us, that we all remember where we were on the night of such an awful tragedy. It is a night that is etched on the minds of everybody who was around at that time.

Senator Cassidy also spoke of the medical needs of the families. I dealt with that in my contribution. I am anxious that the matter would be brought to finality as soon as possible.

Like many other speakers, Senator Ryan paid tribute to the efforts of the bereaved families in bringing about justice. All of us pay tribute to the families and their tireless campaign to deal with the outstanding issues arising from this awful tragedy.

Senator Boyle highlighted the need for fire safety in general. As I said in my contribution, all the recommendations on fire safety outlined in the tribunal report have been implemented in one form or another. There is no room for complacency. Fire safety is of concern to all of us. I share Senator Boyle's view in that regard.

Senator Coghlan praised the work of Mr. Paul Coffey SC. He said he did a great service to the State on this issue, for which we all thank him.

Senator Fitzgerald, like other Senators, highlighted the effort and the energy of the Stardust Victims Committee. She made a good point about the need to listen to people involved in tragedies. The lessons of even the past few months have to be learned in that regard. The Stardust tragedy brings home to us the need to listen to people in distress and those who have been involved in tragedies. If we listened more, it would help to improve the politics of this country and society in general.

I thank Senators for their contributions. As representatives of the wider community, we are expressing our continuing sympathy and regret for the loss suffered by all those affected by this tragedy. On my behalf and on behalf of the Government, I thank all Senators for joining me in expressing sympathy.