Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no hesitation in supporting the motion tabled by Deputy Thomas P. Broughan. I thank him for his persistence and, more importantly, I thank the survivors and families for their persistence. In several weeks' time they will have a sad commemoration. It will be 36 years since the disaster in 1981.

There has been a move from some speakers, especially from Fianna Fáil, to talk about a change in legislation. For the record, it is important to point out that what happened at the time was clearly against fire regulations. That was set out clearly in the report by Mr. Justice Ronan Keane. He said that the carpet tiles represented a breach of the requirements of the chief fire officer. There were failures to comply with the fire protection standards. Therefore, what happened at the time was in breach of regulations. It is shocking that there was no prosecution whatsoever.

I am especially disappointed with the attitude of the Government tonight. We should bear in mind the physical barriers in place on the night when the doors were locked and the number of barriers that the families have had to cope with since then over a 36 year period. They had to wait until 1985 for the compensation tribunal. That followed the findings of Mr. Justice Ronan Keane to the effect that someone was responsible for arson. It took 27 years for that verdict to be changed. The tribunal of compensation was set up in 1985. However, it emerged subsequently during the review by the barrister, Mr. Coffey, that the families had received absolutely no treatment or care.

They were treated with utter disrespect by Government after Government. That was in 1985. It was acknowledged in 2009 and yet still nothing happened. Here were are again today where we can hear the weasel words of Government supported by Fianna Fáil. I have absolutely no wish to be political. These families have suffered enough. It is time to say "Sorry". The owner did not say sorry. The owner was compensated. It is time for us to say "Sorry". It is time to say sorry for the previous actions of Governments that failed to take the matter seriously. Without a doubt, there is a class element in this. I have absolutely no hesitation in supporting Deputy Broughan's motion.

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