Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter in advance of the 34th anniversary of the Stardust tragedy. As we all know well, 48 people died and many more were injured on St. Valentine's Day in 1981 when a fire broke out in the Stardust nightclub in Artane. The majority of people in the Dublin Bay North constituency, particularly those who live in Artane and Coolock, have been affected in some way by this tragedy. There are many who knew, either directly or indirectly, people who lost their lives or who sustained injuries on the night in question. Some of those who live locally recall seeing the tragedy unfold as they ran towards the nightclub to assist. This incident has left its mark not only on the families and friends of those who attended the Stardust that evening, but also on the community as a whole, as people have attempted to come to terms with their grief.

The exact cause of the Stardust fire has never been established and it is very difficult for families to come to terms with the fact that no one has ever been brought to justice for what happened. The initial suggestion of arson has since been disputed. In his report into the events which took place in 1981, Mr. Paul Coffey, SC, found that "the cause of the fire is unknown" and that "None of the victims of the Stardust disaster or the persons present at the Stardust on the night of the fire can be held responsible for the fire". The relatives of the victims have for far too long been awaiting answers regarding exactly what happened on the night they lost their loved ones for far too long. They are seeking the truth and they want justice for their loved ones. They believe that investigations that have taken place up to this point were flawed. In that context, they are unhappy with the Keane and the Coffey reports and they want both to be removed from the public domain.

The Minister met representatives from the Stardust Victims Committee, which they very much appreciate, and listened to their concerns. In that context, I am aware that there is an ongoing Garda investigation into allegations that have been made and evidence that has been provided by some members of the committee. The families of the Stardust victims believe that new information regarding deaths that occurred some way from where the fire is thought to have started should be proof enough that a fresh investigation is required in order that the night's events might be re-examined. A researcher has discovered evidence which disputes the finding in the Keane report to the effect that the fatal fire did not start in the roof space. Rather, it is believed that the vast volume of fuel in the storeroom on the first floor, which was concealed behind a wooden wall, caused the deaths which occurred on 14 February 1981. I have been informed that the reports compiled by the researcher in question, Ms Geraldine Foy, were forwarded to the Department of Justice and Equality for investigation but that they have since been returned. There is major concern regarding the fact that an official in the Department who has no legal or technical expertise was asked to review the reports in question. The Stardust Victims Committee is concerned that they were not actually read during the 12-week period in which they were in the Department's possession. Is the Minister in a position to provide assurances that if the reports were to be returned to her Department at a later date, an official with proper and adequate expertise would actually review the evidence they contain as soon as possible? It cost a large amount of money and took a great deal of time to compile for the evidence to which I refer to be compiled. It is only right and proper that it should be considered, in full, by the Government.

I accept that what I am about to say does not relate to the Minister's Department but I wish to bring to her attention the matter of the memorial park to the victims of the Stardust fire. Sadly, the park in question is not being adequately maintained by Dublin City Council and issues arise there from time to time with regard to anti-social behaviour. That needs to be addressed properly.

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