Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

“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.