Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I sympathise with the families who have suffered such appalling hurt extended over a long period. Many people regard me as having been a long time in the Dáil, but this happened before I came to represent Dublin North-Central. It was one of the most appalling experiences any family could go through and put huge scars on people's lives that can never be repaired. We welcome that at long last, after 27 years, there will be provision made to support those people. They have been through such an appalling experience that it is disappointing it has taken so long to come to this day.

Many of the families and those in the neighbourhood felt seriously aggrieved that a cloud hung over those who attended on that night. The suggestion that arson was a possible cause of this fire has been another burden to carry and has caused anger and frustration, which has been made worse by the fact that there was a sense that no one was ever held responsible for what happened. The performance on the night, the way the place was run and the lack of responsibility taken by those responsible for it wounded people, and they will never overcome the experience.

I welcome this step forward. It is good to see that at last the cloud of arson as a cause is being removed and has not been supported by any of the facts, as found by Mr. Coffey. It is progress. At this stage we must try to let people move on with as much dignity as possible after such a painful experience.

I share Deputy Haughey's view that the former Taoiseach took an enduring interest in this case. One of his strengths in politics has always been the ability to try to find ways to move something forward, even when dealing with difficult things. This case did sustain his interest. I know there were frustrations along the way and people felt that maybe he had lost sight of the ball at times, but it was something he tried to keep on the agenda.

I hope the relatives can take some sustenance from this report and the views of all parties in the Oireachtas supporting their position after so many years. We are coming up to the terrible anniversary, which will be a very difficult time for those affected but hopefully there will be a sense that something has been achieved for the great perseverance and commitment that those who have been involved in this campaign over many years have shown.

I, like other Members of the House, sympathise with those who are represented in the Gallery and many others who cannot be here and have also suffered huge hurt over the years. I hope this, in some way, brings a part of the chapter to a close, even though we all know the wounds will never be healed in their entirety.

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