Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

In the week leading up to the 25th anniversary of the Stardust disaster, I wish to ask the Taoiseach a few questions. More than 800 young people attended that disco on the eve of St. Valentine's Day 1981. By the end of the night, 48 were dead and hundreds more injured. There are unresolved issues following the inquiry which sat for 122 days but left so many questions unanswered. It is now clear the inquiry did not go far enough and there are many questions which the Taoiseach might begin to answer if he were to focus on the issues. Despite numerous inspections of the Stardust building by Dublin Corporation, the owners were able to get away with repeated breaches of fire regulations and building by-laws. The question many ask is why so many patrons were prevented from escaping because of locked or chained fire exits.

Fianna Fáil was in power at the time and many of the Stardust victims feel they were badly let down. Many of the relatives are still grieving for many reasons. They did not receive any counselling, while medical cards were given and withdrawn even before the injured could return to work. The tribunal claimed the cause of the fire was probably arson, yet the Garda report disputes this. Victims lodged 245 writs but the only one to come to court was made by the Stardust manager. State compensation was paid on condition that no further claims would be lodged, and the biggest beneficiary was the Stardust management.

Many of the relatives would like an answer to a basic question. After 25 years, will the Taoiseach meet them at least to hear what they have to say and perhaps address some of the issues which arise if we are to prevent another Stardust tragedy?

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