Cyprian Brady (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion and continue the analogy mentioned by Deputy Bruton that this process is the removal of one cloud from over the heads of the families and friends of those lost that night. Any discussion we have here must start with a recognition of the loss and grief of the families and friends of the young people who died that night.

Over the years, while the grief may have diminished for the wider community around the Stardust, it has not for the families and friends of those who were there that night. Coming from that area originally and having had friends and family there on that night, I remember the atmosphere of grief and shock that pervaded the area for many weeks and, as Deputy Haughey said, for many years after that fateful night. It is something a community, as a whole, takes a long time to recover from. The step forward we are taking tonight, after many years of fighting by the victims' friends and families, is to be welcomed. As well as those who lost their lives that night, many were seriously injured. We should recognise that they and their families have had to live with the aftermath for the past 28 years.

As others pointed out, there have been a number of efforts, in conjunction with the families, to obtain some form of closure. The Coffey report recognises that it is not possible to conclude that arson took place that night, which will assist the families in trying to come to terms with what happened. We read the books and saw the television programmes, but if one was not in the Stardust or had a family member there that night, it is impossible to comprehend what it is like to go through something like it.

Efforts have been made by parties on both sides of the House to bring closure to the Stardust tragedy and it is right not to politicise this matter. There were legal complications along the way and other issues with which the families were unhappy. It is welcome, however, that some progress has been made. In this respect the Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, mentioned the memorial. In addition, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has referred to victims whose remains could not be identified. Huge efforts were made to resolve that issue which was one step along a very long road.

The various inquiries, including the initial Stardust tribunal, raised issues such as door locks and the response of the emergency services. Recommendations have led to the transformation of fire and medical services. Please God, we will never have to go through another night like that one which brought to light all the inadequacies inside and outside the building, as well as those of the services involved. Many changes have taken place as a direct result of some of the information gained following the tragedy.

The possibility of arson was always hanging over what had happened in the Stardust, but the Coffey report has finally put to rest any such question marks. I welcome the Government's acknowledgement that there is no recognisable cause of the fire. Twenty-eight years is a long time in anybody's life. Things can change over such a time and it is very difficult to find answers at such a remove.

I fully support the recommendations concerning services required by the families concerned. Part of the thrust of the efforts made is to provide adequate services which everybody accepts were not provided at the start. These include bereavement counselling and medical services which must be provided even today. I welcome the Minister's statement that the intention is to meet the needs of those involved.

Working with the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, I had a small part to play in efforts made to help the families of the five unidentified Stardust victims. While it was not an easy process to go through, it was ten times harder for the families and friends involved. Any solution found can only be welcomed. Every effort should be made to maintain such interaction with the families and the group representing them. I welcome the assurances that a similar spirit will continue to prevail in any dealings with the families.

Having had the experience of living and working in the area in the months and years after the Stardust tragedy, I know that nothing can prepare a person for such a tragic event. The families have maintained their position during the years and kept up the fight which has paid small dividends along the way, but it has been a long road. Whatever services can be provided for them and placed at the disposal of the group representing them should be provided. I encourage those officials dealing directly with the families to ensure their work is done in a compassionate and helpful way. As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches each year, we are all reminded of what occurred that night. Any right-minded person would accept that those directly affected by the events should be treated with dignity and respect.

I welcome the introduction of the motion and, once more, extend my sympathy to the families and friends of the Stardust victims.

See this speech in context