Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware there remains dissatisfaction over the fact that it has not been possible to determine the true cause of the fire with certainty. I entirely sympathise with the concerns of the victims committee in this regard and I sympathise with all those who continue to be affected by the tragedy. However, the position is that an independent examination by Mr. Coffey was put in place to assess the committee's case. Substantial assistance was provided to the committee in order that it could participate in the process, and it did so. Mr. Coffey’s conclusions, as the Deputy will remember, led to motions of great significance being passed in both Houses clarifying the record as to the cause of the fire. This was extremely important, as acknowledged by everyone.

Mr. Coffey concluded that there remains no actual identified evidence as to the cause of the fire. In that context, and in line with the motions, the concern is that the best another inquiry could produce would be another set of hypothetical findings, which would not be in the public interest. However, as I have said, if any further submissions are made in this regard, they will, of course, be examined. Any reports that are given to the Department are dealt with and examined comprehensively. There is no question about that.

It would be unfair to those who have suffered so much already to raise unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved at this point. However, I will certainly take up the issue the Deputy raised regarding the memorial park. I am sure the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will act upon that.

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