Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

While I do not want to repeat myself, I will make the following points. The committee that had ongoing meetings with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and his officials made a report which was examined by the Garda and the forensic science laboratory in November 1994. More recently, it made further submissions and the Minister has stated they will be carefully examined by the Department. As I stated at the outset, in that light the Department forwarded recent correspondence from the Stardust committee with regard to the tragedy to the forensic science laboratory for its consideration. The Department will again contact the members of the committee as soon as the laboratory's response to the most recent correspondence has been received. In the event that there is new information or advice the Minister can provide to the Stardust committee, he will meet representatives of the families.

This much has already been agreed, as I stated. The only question is whether there are new issues or issues which the families feel have not reached a satisfactory conclusion. The Keane tribunal made its detailed findings but the Government, through the Department, the Garda, the forensic science laboratory and other sections, is more than eager to deal with the families.

It is not necessary to repeat all of the issues with regard to services but, while the Deputy is correct that there are 11 fire brigade ambulances — two at Tara Street fire station and one at each of the other fire stations — the health services have 63 ambulances and 16 other vehicles that can be mobilised for the emergency plan. If the emergency plan operated as it did on that night, all the ambulances — almost 90 vehicles — would be available. That is the comparable figure. I have mentioned the other areas and financial issues.

The committee representing the families has been engaged for a protracted period with the Government. Therefore, it is not just now that the call has been made. The most recent information is being analysed by forensic scientists. If new information arises from this analysis or from reports they have already submitted, the Government will look at it.

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