Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have no problem meeting the relatives. However, I do not want the Deputy to think I have refused to meet them. The fact is that only one request was made four years ago. On that occasion, when I was not available, my programme manager met them. Other families have been in contact with me. There is no argument about this. I have no problem meeting the relatives.

It is not the case that nothing has happened in the past five years. The detailed report was prepared on behalf of the Stardust committee and given to the Garda Commissioner and the forensic science laboratory two years ago. Following a series of meetings between representatives of the Stardust committee, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, his Department, the Garda Commissioner and the forensic science laboratory, that report was examined in detail. While matters have been ongoing over the years, this aspect was very recent and concluded in November 2004. I reiterate that if new evidence or an issue that requires re-examination arises, the Government will consider it.

With regard to what has happened since the tragedy, last week I read information from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on how the fire service has moved on since that time, the recommendations that were made and the follow-up decisions taken over the life of many Governments, including the Fire Services Act 1981, the Building Control Act 1990, the Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 and all kinds of procedures. It was decided not to follow the Keane tribunal's recommendations exactly but to proceed in a different way because it was believed this would be more effective. That is why the agency was not set up. That process has been followed for 25 years and huge resources have been put into it.

Unfortunately, one cannot say such a tragedy will never happen again but progress has been made with legislation, resources and staff. For example, in 1981 there were only four fire prevention officers in the Dublin area whereas there are now 34, with more than 100 working nationwide. A huge number of inspections——

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