David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Members on the opposite side of the House, in particular Deputy Thomas P. Broughan, for raising this matter and for the contributions made to the discussions this evening. The appalling circumstances of the tragedy at the Stardust have been recounted with very strong emotions; even after all these years the emotion still comes through. The magnitude of the event and its legacy continues to shock and haunt us all. While words may be of little consequence I wish to express my deep and continuing sympathy to all those who have felt the impact of these tragic events and to recognise that members of those families are here this evening.

Much has been said tonight and I understand the Government of the day based its actions on the final report of Mr. Coffey and the contents of that final report were his, and his alone. There was a necessity to correct the record and another commission could have happened if no other way of correcting the record was found. The record of the tribunal was corrected by the two Houses agreeing a motion. That was agreed at the time and the record was corrected. There is no secret suggestion of the commission as such, it was about correcting the record. This evening's debate is about how we can proceed - as it is proposed in the programme for Government - by putting in place appropriate arrangements that might help to deal with any new evidence that may have emerged.

I was very taken with Deputy Jim O'Callaghan's contribution to this debate and his strong expertise in the area. He said that commissions of inquiry can be cold places. The Government has recognised the strength of the concerns that have been expressed on this matter. For this reason it is proposed that an independent person who has the trust of those affected and who is really experienced be appointed to assess any new evidence as to the cause of the fire before we go down the road of a bells and whistles investigation or independent commission. As the Minister outlined, if the independent assessment by a trusted and experienced person who has the trust of the families confirms the existence of new evidence, a commission of investigation will be established and the Government will proceed as outlined in the amendment. I believe that is probably the best and most respectful way to proceed at this point in time. Let someone who is trusted, experienced and independent assess the evidence and bring forward a recommendation; either the new evidence justifies a full blown commission of investigation or it does not. We do not want to go in to a cul-de-sac without real prima facie evidence. Deputy O'Callaghan's observations are true; these commissions are cold places. There was much justifiable and understandable emotion tonight which I felt as I listened to everyone and in picturing what happened. It is appalling, awful and tragic. We must, however, proceed properly and it will happen if an independent and trusted person says it is the way to go.

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