Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I join Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte in an expression of sympathy to the Keegan family and to all those bereaved by the tragedy that occurred yesterday in Firhouse. We are also mindful of the hurt and pain of neighbours in the wider community and of young school friends in that wider catchment.

The Taoiseach referred in his responses to Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte to new evidence concerning the Stardust tragedy of 25 years ago last night, St. Valentine's eve. Does the Taoiseach accept that the conclusion reached by the tribunal that the cause of the fire was probably arson was deeply flawed and had no basis in evidence? When he talks about new evidence, does the Taoiseach note that the basis for a new investigation has existed not just arising from the current series of television programmes but for some five years as a result of details concerning the Garda investigation that were leaked to the authors of the book on the tragedy five years ago? These included key witness statements that were not taken into account by the tribunal when it sat.

There is already a basis for the Taoiseach to agree this point, irrespective of what may or may not arise from tonight's programme. I join the appeal to the Taoiseach to meet the relatives of the Stardust victims.

See this speech in context