Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This evening, the Dáil will discuss a motion relating to the Stardust tragedy in Artane on the night of 14 February 1981. I commend Deputy Tommy Broughan on sponsoring the motion. On that fateful St. Valentine's night, 48 people died and 214 people were injured. Some of the family members are in Leinster House today, in the Public Gallery. I extend my continued sympathy and solidarity to them and the survivors. Sinn Féin will support the motion.

Today, 36 years later, the families have still not got the full truth about how their loved ones died. There are also valid questions about the totally inadequate way in which the tragedy was investigated and dealt with by the institutions of the State. The original Keane inquiry into the Stardust fire claimed that it was caused by probable arson. The finding was overturned in 2009 as a result of the independent examination by Mr. Paul Coffey, SC. This led to the correction of the public record, which exonerated those present in the Stardust nightclub of any blame. The families of the victims of the Stardust tragedy are seeking a new commission of investigation into this dreadful tragedy. They say they have new evidence.

The onus should not be on the families of the victims to bring forward new evidence. It is the responsibility of the State and its agencies. In his report sent to the Government on 10 December 2008, on page 70, section 5.13, Mr. Coffey stated: "I further accept that a new inquiry is necessary if it is the only way of placing on the public record a finding that is based on evidence." However, this recommendation was not contained in the published report of January 2009.

I have raised these questions with the Taoiseach previously and he has rejected calls for a new inquiry. The families say the new evidence indicates that the fire started in the roof space and have presented it to the Department of Justice and Equality. The State has never given proper weight to other claims pointing to the culpability of the owners of the complex. The owners of the Stardust received compensation; the families have not. Will the Taoiseach support the families in their search for justice? Will he establish a new commission of investigation into the tragedy?

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