Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for responding on this issue. I wish to focus on a number of points he made. The families' position is quite clear. They are seeking an independent expert to examine the new facts I have presented to the House today. They do not want a lengthy tribunal – I accept that this is not what they are seeking – and would prefer to have somebody who would go through the new evidence, link it with the previous reports and deal with particular issues that arise.

It is important that we take cognisance of the fact that 48 young people died in this horrific tragedy and that 128 were injured, many of whom are still suffering today. There is much hurt and sadness. I appreciate the Minister of State's sympathy for the families, but I feel very strongly that we need more than sympathy. We need to be compassionate, but we also need to be open to the idea of getting the truth and the facts.

I welcome the Minister of State's comment that no one present on the night can be held responsible. This is one point we got out of the way earlier. There is one chink of light in the Minister of State's response, namely, his statement that the Minister is aware from recent reported statements that the committee intends to present a submission. He said, "he will, of course, arrange for the examination, as appropriate, of any such submission and a response to be issued to the committee in due course." That is the chink of light I would like to see. I would like to see the Minister examine the report which we have sent in. I have also sent in some of the evidence to the Minister in the past week because I met the families on a number of occasions recently. He should examine carefully what he sees in front of him. Of course, he should respond, but the bottom line is that the families are seeking a quick independent re-examination of the evidence. Even if the concerns of only a few families are at stake, we owe this to them. As I stated before, this was the worst tragedy in the history of the State. A total of 48 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years died and 128 were injured. Many of the survivors still have the scars today. The State could be a little more flexible. I, therefore, urge the Minister to reconsider his position.

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